Catalytic Performances of Bi-Metallic Ni-Co Catalysts in Acetic Acid Steam Reforming Reaction: Effect of Mg Incorporation

Abstract

Abstract In this study, mesoporous alumina supported bi-metallic Ni-Co catalysts were synthesized and catalytic performances were investigated in hydrogen production through steam reforming of acetic acid reaction. Mesoporous alumina support was synthesized using a sol-gel method and metals were co-impregnated into the structure of the catalyst. The physicochemical properties of the synthesized materials were characterized by XRD, N2 adsorption-desorption, SEM and TG-DT analysis. The activity test results showed that the bi-metallic 4Ni-1Co@SGA catalyst showed high and stable activity in steam reforming of acetic acid, giving a high H2 selectivity at 750 °C. Bi-metallic Ni-Co catalysts showed higher performance than monometallic Co catalyst, yielding less methane production and coke deposition. Co incorporation decreased activity of Ni catalysts at high reaction temperature of 750 °C in terms of AcOH conversion; however, improved the activity of Ni catalysts at low reaction temperature of 550 °C in terms of AcOH conversion and H2 Selectivity. Mg incorporation enhanced the coke resistance of the catalyst and further, among the bi- and tri-metallic catalysts, the lowest coke deposition was obtained over Mg incorporated 4Ni-1Co@SGA catalyst at 750 °C.