A review on ethanol steam reforming for hydrogen production over Ni/Al2O3 and Ni/CeO2 based catalyst powders

Abstract

Hydrogen is contemplated as an alternative clean fuel for the future. Ethanol steam reforming (ESR) is a carbon-neutral, sustainable, green hydrogen production method. Low cost Ni/Al 2 O 3 and Ni/CeO 2 powder catalysts demonstrate high ESR activity. However, acidic nature of Al 2 O 3 and instability of CeO 2 lead to deactivation of the catalysts easily. This article examines the research articles published on the modification of Ni by various noble and non-noble metals and on alteration of the supports by different metal oxides in detail and their effect on ESR all through 2000–2021. The ESR reaction mechanisms on Ni/Al 2 O 3 and Ni/CeO 2 powder catalysts and basic thermodynamics for different possible reactions and H 2 yield are explored. Manipulation of catalyst morphology (surface area and particle size) via preparation method, selection of active metal promoter and support modifier are found to be significantly important for H 2 production and minimizing carbon deposition on catalysts. • Ni/Al 2 O 3 & Ni/CeO 2 catalysts showed high H 2 production by ESR. • Acidic nature of Al 2 O 3 and instability of CeO 2 lead to deactivation of catalysts. • Effects of promoting Ni by various metals on catalytic activity of ESR are reviewed. • Effects of modifying Al 2 O 3 and CeO 2 supports by metal oxides on ESR are reviewed. • Reaction mechanisms & thermodynamics on Ni/Al 2 O 3 & Ni/CeO 2 catalysts are explored.