Influence of the acid–base properties over NiSn/MgO–Al2O3 catalysts in the hydrogen production from glycerol steam reforming

In this work we have investigated the hydrogen production from glycerol steam reforming. The effect of the acid–base properties was evaluated using four catalysts based in an alloy Ni–Sn as active phase supported over γ-Al2O3 with different content in MgO, varying between 0 and 30 wt.% The incorporation of MgO results in the formation of MgAl2O4 spinel, which modifies the acid–base properties of the catalyst. Addition of MgO favored the glycerol conversion into gas, and the catalyst loaded with 10 wt.% MgO exhibited better catalytic performance and higher stability. A blank test with quartz was performed indicating that pyrolysis of glycerol takes place in the quartz.