Abstract
The search for catalysts with features that can improve coke resistance and decrease byproduct formation is a current goal in H2 production from renewable sources. In this work, the effect of the presence of Ni nanoparticles over Co/La-Ce oxides on the ethanol decomposition reaction was studied. Catalysts were synthetized using as precursor a La0.8Ce0.2NixCo1-xO3 perovskite-type material to ensure a low segregation of phases and a high dispersion of metals. After reduction at 873 K, the perovskite structure was destroyed, and metal Co-Ni particles were supported over a lanthanum-cerium oxide. The materials were characterized by different techniques before and after reaction. Solids exhibited metal particle sizes between 5 and 15 nm demonstrating the advantages of the preparation method to obtain Ni-Co alloys. Although the results of adsorption of ethanol followed by diffuse reflectance infrared fourier transformed spectroscopy (DRIFTS) showed acetate species strongly adsorbed on the catalyst’s surface, the material (Ni0.7Co0.3/La0.8Ce0.2) with the lowest particle size was the most stable system leading to the lowest amount of carbon deposits during ethanol decomposition. This catalyst showed the better performance, with a higher ethanol conversion (98.4%) and hydrogen selectivity (75%). All catalysts exhibited carbonaceous deposits, which were an ordered and disordered carbon phase mixture.
Highlights
Fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and natural gas are the conventional energy sources
As is the case with ethanol steam reforming (ESR), ethanol decomposition (ED) exhibits some drawbacks related to the existence of simultaneous reactions such as the Boudouard reaction (Equation (2)) and methane decomposition (Equation (3)), which could lead to catalyst deactivation by deposition of carbonaceous species [2]
For the Ni-containing catalyst, these peaks are slightly displaced, which could be a consequence of the possible insertion of Ni into the structure
Summary
Fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and natural gas are the conventional energy sources Their continuous use can negatively affect the environment. Within these renewable energies, H2 seems to be a promising fuel which can be obtained from several byproducts originated from biomass conversion. Ethanol, which can be produced by simultaneous saccharification and fermentation (SSF) [1], exhibits interesting features as a H2 source. Several chemical processes such as ethanol steam reforming (ESR), partial oxidation (POE), oxidative steam reforming (OSPE), and catalytic ethanol decomposition (ED) have been evaluated for H2 production. As is the case with ESR, ED exhibits some drawbacks related to the existence of simultaneous reactions such as the Boudouard reaction (Equation (2)) and methane decomposition (Equation (3)), which could lead to catalyst deactivation by deposition of carbonaceous species [2]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
