Comparison of gelatinous and calcined magnesia supported Ni or/and Co-based catalysts for aqueous phase reforming of glycerol

Abstract

In this work, two different types of catalysts with MgO support for aqueous phase reforming of glycerol were prepared by the sol-gel method and calcining method, respectively, and the active metals (nickel or/and cobalt) were added by the initial wet impregnation (IWI) method. It is found that the catalyst supported by gelatinous MgO presents better dispersion and the amount of hydrogen produced by the catalyst containing gelatinous MgO support is more than 1.5 times compared with other catalysts. For the Ni–Co bimetallic catalysts, the higher reaction temperature is beneficial to hydrogen yield, but decreases hydrogen selectivity. A high concentration of glycerol increases hydrogen yield and selectivity. Introducing CaO as an absorbent in aqueous phase reforming can improve WGS reaction and reduce methanation reaction through in-situ CO2 removal and capture. The gelatinous Ni–Co/MgO catalyst presents superior activity and multi-cycle stability.