Effect of potassium addition on a long term performance of Co–ZnO–Al2O3 catalysts in the low-temperature steam reforming of ethanol: Co-precipitation vs citrate method of catalysts synthesis

Abstract

The promotion effect of potassium on Co–ZnO–Al2O3 catalysts in the steam reforming of ethanol has been studied with samples prepared by co-precipitation and citrate methods. Experimental results of catalytic activity, selectivity and coke deposition phenomena are reported. Potassium addition (1 and 2wt.%) had a significant influence on catalytic efficiency at various ethanol+water vapours streams (H2O:EtOH=21:1, 15:1, 12:1 molar ratios). It acts as a promoter improving catalyst stability, activity as well as marginalizing coke deposition on the catalyst surface. Catalysts prepared by the co-precipitation method, with smaller cobalt active phase crystallites and with potassium deposited on the catalyst surface are more stable in the steam reforming of ethanol than those with large crystallites prepared by citrate method, into which potassium was introduced together with all others components. The efficiency of the potassium promotion is higher when it is deposited on the catalyst surface with smaller cobalt active phase crystallites. The water excess equivalent to the H2O:EtOH molar ratio higher than 15:1 has been necessary for the stable SRE. Even potassium-promoted K–Co–ZnO–Al2O3 catalyst needs the ethanol–water feed with a large excess of water.