Comparison of Ni and Co Catalysts for Ethanol Steam Reforming in a Fluidized Bed Reactor

Abstract

A study has been conducted on the steam reforming of ethanol on different Ni and Co catalysts synthesized on several supports (SiO2, ZnO and α-Al2O3 undoped and doped with La2O3) in a fluidized bed reactor (to ensure bed isothermicity). The results allow analysing the effect of both temperature (in the 300–700 °C range) and the type of metal and support on the reaction indices [ethanol conversion and yields and selectivities of H2 and by-products (CO2, CO, CH4 and C2H4O)]. Catalyst stability has been specifically studied by comparing the evolution with time on stream of the reaction indices at 500 °C (minimum CO production) and at 700 °C (insignificant deactivation by coke). A slightly higher H2 yield is obtained on Co catalysts than on Ni ones in the 500–600 °C range. Nevertheless, the highest H2 yield at 700 °C is obtained with a highly stable performance on Ni catalysts over α-Al2O3 support.