Valorization of microalgae oil via steam reforming for hydrogen-rich gas production over Ni/CeO2-ZrO2

Abstract

This study investigated the steam reforming of microalgae oil in the existence of Ni/CeO2-ZrO2 catalyst to assess its potential for hydrogen production. For this purpose, the catalyst was synthesized by the impregnation-co-precipitation method and characterized using various techniques. Catalytic microalgae steam reforming was performed in a continuous flow quartz fixed bed reactor and the effects of reaction temperature, weight hourly space velocity, and steam to microalgae volume ratio on conversion and hydrogen selectivity were evaluated. The findings revealed that microalgae oil, especially with a high oleic acid content, showed promise as a feedstock for hydrogen production via steam reforming. Suitable conditions were identified as a reaction temperature of 850 °C, weight hourly space velocity of 29 h−1, and steam to microalgae oil volume ratio of 12:1, resulting in 99.79 % hydrogen selectivity and 100 % microalgae oil conversion. Furthermore, a characterization of the spent catalyst was conducted, and a coke deposition of 19.17 mgcarbon/gcat.h was observed following 15 h of reaction.