Synthesis and characterization of Ni2−xPdxMnO4/γ-Al2O3 catalysts for hydrogen production via propane steam reforming

Abstract

Much attention has been paid to the development of environmentally friendly next-generation energy sources, such as hydrogen gas. In this context, propane steam reforming has emerged as one of the most promising approaches. Here, we report the synthesis of various Ni2−xPdxMnO4/γ-Al2O3 (x = 0, 0.01, 0.02, 0.03, 0.04, and 0.05) catalysts by sol-gel and impregnation methods and their application in steam reforming of propane (H2O/C3H8 = 6/1), doubly promoted by Pd and Ni. The introduction of Pd in Ni2−xPdxMnO4/γ-Al2O3 improved catalyst dispersion and reduction of Ni oxides. Ni2−xPdxMnO4/γ-Al2O3 catalysts showed different adsorption abilities for C3H8, CO, and H2O gases, which resulted in different catalytic behaviors in steam reforming of propane. This was presumably dependent on the Pd content, and the optimal Pd mole concentration was found to be 4%. Complete conversion of propane and the highest hydrogen selectivity were achieved over Ni1.96Pd0.04MnO4/γ-Al2O3 at 700 °C. The presence of Pd decreased the evolution of CO, which is responsible for catalyst degradation, and the catalyst maintained a high performance even after five catalytic cycles.