Catalytic steam reforming of butanol in a fluidized bed and comparison with other oxygenated compounds

Fluidized bed steam reforming of butanol was studied at 650 °C, atmospheric pressure and a steam to carbon (S/C) molar ratio of 14.7. The influence of the space velocity (GC1HSV) was tested with different catalysts. The use of a Ni/Al catalyst with 28.5 wt.% Ni content gave almost equilibrium conditions at a GC1HSV of around 11000 h− 1. At higher GC1HSV values, carbon conversion to gas and gas yields diverged from equilibrium values. The catalyst composition was also analysed using several Ni/Al research catalysts modified with Ca or Mg, studying their effect on the nickel reducibility and activity. A comparative study of steam reforming of oxygenated compounds (butanol, ethanol, acetol and acetic acid) was also carried out. The steam reforming of alcohols showed high stability over time in comparison to the other compounds. The characterization of used catalysts by FESEM and TPO showed a greater proportion of refractory carbon when using acetic acid and acetol in comparison to the alcohol steam reforming which, in addition, presented less carbon content on the catalyst surface.