Novel zeolite-supported rhodium catalysts for ethanol steam reforming

Renewable bioethanol is an interesting hydrogen source for fuel cells through steam reforming, but its C–C bond promotes parallel reactions, mainly coke and by-products formation. In this way, good ethanol reforming catalysts are still needed, which explains current research and development efforts around the world. Most catalysts proposed for ethanol reforming are based on oxide-supported noble metals with surface area below 100 m2 g−1 and reaction temperatures above 500 °C. Novel Rh and Rh–K catalysts supported on NaY zeolite with surface area above 440 m2 g−1 are presented in this work. Reaction temperature was fixed at 300 °C and H2O/EtOH molar ratio and reagent flow were varied. Ethanol conversion varied from 50 to 99%, with average increase of 50% due to K promoter, and hydrogen production yield achieved 68%.