Effect of iron loading on the physicochemical properties and catalytic activity of Fe/CeO2 catalysts in palm kernel shell steam gasification to hydrogen

Hydrogen has emerged as one of the sustainable fuels in the next future that can be used in internal-combustion engine. Hydrogen produced from catalytic gasification of biomass generates clean and higher efficiencies automotive fuel. The use of catalyst in the biomass gasification is effective to elevate hydrogen content and to reduce tar formation. This work presents the development of Fe supported Ceria catalysts for palm kernel shell (PKS) steam gasification to hydrogen. 2.5-10wt% Fe/CeO₂ catalysts have been prepared using incipient wetness impregnation method for 6 hours, dried at 120°C for 16 hours and later calcined at 500°C for 16 hours. The catalysts were characterized for their crystal structures using Powder X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), reducibility using Temperature Programmed Reduction (TPR), surface area, pore size and pore volume using N₂ adsorption-desorption isotherm and morphology using Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM). XRD results confirmed the formation of solid solution of iron-cerium oxide, with cubic CeO₂ structure which is in agreement with FESEM images. As evaluated by surface area and pore analyzer, it was established that the Fe/CeO₂ catalysts are nonporous and its surface area increases with increasing of Fe loading. TPR profiles show the overlapping of two reduction peaks, related to the surface Fe and CeO₂. A shoulder peak evolved, attributed to the reduction of Fe₃O₄ to Fe. The 2.5wt% Fe/CeO₂ catalyst indicates the maximum H₂ production with the least formation of CO₂ and CH₄ from PKS steam gasification. It is likely that the formation of H₂ reduces with increasing of Fe loading.