Ni catalysts supported on modified ZnAl2O4 for ethanol steam reforming Original Research Article

Nickel catalysts supported over ZnAl2O4 modified by Ce or/and Zr addition were studied in the steam reforming of ethanol under more severe reaction conditions such as a lower extent of feed dilution and lower space velocities. The catalysts were stable at 650 °C during 35 h in time on stream. The main reaction products were H2, CO2, CO, C2H4O and small amounts of CH4 and C2H4. The catalyst supported over CeO2–ZnAl2O4 was the most active and showed the highest hydrogen selectivity. The addition of ZrO2 decreased the activity and favored the CO production. The lowest degree of Ni2+ reduction over Ni/ZAZr could explain the worst performance of this system. Otherwise, the highest Ni2+ dispersion and the high oxygen mobility from ceria or from Ni–Ce boundary allowed a higher residual activity and an improved coking resistance.