Bimetallic Ni-Rh catalysts with low amounts of Rh for the steam and autothermal reforming of n-butane for fuel cell applications Original Research Article

Mono-metallic nickel and rhodium catalysts and bimetallic Ni-Rh catalysts supported on La-Al2O3, CeZrO2 and CeMgOx were prepared and evaluated for catalyzing the steam and autothermal reforming of n-butane. The binary Ni-Rh supported on La-Al2O3 catalysts with low weight loading of rhodium exhibited higher H2 yields than Ni or Rh alone. The Ni-Rh/CeZrO2 catalyst exhibited higher performance and no coke formation, compared to the same metals on other supports. A NiAl2O4 spinel phase was obtained on all Ni and Ni-Rh catalysts supported on La-Al2O3. The presence of rhodium stabilized the spinel phase as well as NiOx species upon reforming while Ni alone was mostly reduced into metallic species. Extended X-ray absorption fine-structure analysis showed evidence of Ni-Rh alloy during preparation and even further after an accelerated aging at 900 °C in a H2/H2O atmosphere.