Fe–Ni–MCM-41 Catalysts for Hydrogen-Rich Syngas Production from Waste Plastics by Pyrolysis–Catalytic Steam Reforming

Abstract

A two-stage pyrolysis–catalytic steam reforming process was used with mesoporous MCM-41 supported iron and nickel bimetallic catalysts for hydrogen-rich syngas production from a simulated mixture of waste plastics. Different Fe/Ni weight ratios (00:20, 05:15, 10:10, 05:15, and 20:00) have been investigated to determine the influence on hydrogen production. The results showed that the presence of Fe and Ni together produced a synergistic enhancement of the total gas yield and hydrogen and carbon monoxide production. For example, the (10:10) Fe–Ni–MCM-41 catalyst produced the highest gas yield of 95 wt %, the highest H2 production of 46.1 mmol H2 g–1plastic, and the highest CO production at 31.8 mm g–1plastic. The (10:10) Fe–Ni–MCM-41 catalyst produced a volumetric hydrogen concentration of 46.7 vol %, and carbon monoxide was 32.2 vol %. The (10:10) Fe–Ni–MCM-41 catalyst also showed the lowest carbon deposition on the catalyst. The carbon deposits were mainly of the amorphous encapsulating type for the iron...