Hydrogen-Rich Gas Production with the Ni-La/Al2O3-CaO-C Catalyst from Co-Pyrolysis of Straw and Polyethylene

Abstract

Ni-based catalysts have been extensively investigated because of their superior catalytic performance. In this study, the Ni-La/Al2O3-CaO-C catalyst was prepared by homogeneous precipitation, employed in the co-pyrolysis of soybean straw with polyethylene to produce hydrogen. The optimal experimental conditions were identified by discussing the carrier synthesis ratio, feedstock ratio, and addition of La. Additionally, the stability of the catalyst was evaluated. It was established that the carrier was produced using a molar ratio, the raw ingredients ratio of 5:5, and that the optimum catalytic action was obtained when La was added. Co-pyrolysis of soybean straw with polyethylene (PE) that was catalyzed by Ni-La/Al2O3-CaO-C generated 55.45 vol% of H2 under ideal experimental circumstances. After six applications, the H2 yield was 33.89 vol%, compared to 27.5 vol% for the Ni/Al2O3-CaO-C catalyst. The experimental results indicate that Ni-La/Al2O3-CaO-C exhibits superior catalytic activity and stability than Ni/Al2O3-CaO-C.