Catalytic steam reforming of biomass-derived acetic acid over modified Ni/γ-Al2O3 for sustainable hydrogen production

Abstract

Abstract In order to obtain sustainable H2, the catalytic steam reforming of acetic acid derived from biomass was performed by using the catalysts modified with basic promoters (Mg, La, Cu, and K). La and K increased the total basicity of Ni/γ-Al2O3 by 30.6% and 93.4%, respectively, which could induce ketonization, producing acetone. In contrast, Mg reduced the number of middle and strong basic sites by 17.2% and improved the number of weak basic sites by 5% for Ni/γ-Al2O3, which promoted the steam reforming of acetic acid (ca. 100% of H2 and carbon selectivity at even 450 °C) without ketonization. Moreover, the amount of carbon deposited on Ni/Mg/γ-Al2O3 was 55.1% less than that deposited on Ni/γ-Al2O3. When Cu was employed, the conversion was ca. 60% with less than 70% of H2 selectivity, at all temperatures considered herein.