Steam reforming of ethanol for hydrogen production on Co/CeO2–ZrO2 catalysts prepared by polymerization method

Catalysts containing 10%Co supported on CexZr1−xO2 (0 < x < 1) were applied to ethanol steam reforming reactions. The catalysts were characterized by Raman spectroscopy, XANES-H2 and DRS-UV–Vis. The catalytic tests were conducted at 673, 773 and 873 K, with molar ratios of H2O:ethanol = 3:1. The ethanol conversion and H2 selectivity were temperature dependent and the association of CeO2 with ZrO2 in the support led to show a low formation of CO, due to the higher mobility of oxygen.