Bioethanol steam reforming on Co/ITQ-18 catalyst: Effect of the crystalline structure of the delaminated zeolite ITQ-18

ITQ-18 delaminated zeolite has been used as Co support to synthesize steam reforming catalysts. The results obtained in the steam reforming of bioethanol indicate that a highly active and selective Co-based catalyst can be prepared using this delaminated zeolite as support. The high hydrogen selectivity exhibited by this catalyst, together with its good stability and low CH4 and CO production, can be related to the high surface area and singular crystalline structure of this delaminated zeolite formed by array of “cups” distributed along of sheets. This particular crystalline structure seems to supply good positions for the stabilization of the Co metal particles improving their dispersion and preventing their sintering during reaction stages.