Effect of Ce addition on catalytic performance of Ni/MCM-41 for hydrogen production via ethanol steam reforming

Among different metals that used for ethanol steam reforming, Ni based catalysts has been commonly used since it is highly active and its cost is relatively low [1]. Product distribution and catalyst stability during steam reforming reaction are controlled by the type of utilized support. MCM-41 mesoporous molecular sieves have attracted much interest due to their noticeable surface areas and highly ordered pore structures [2]. In the present study, MCM-41 mesoporous material and highly active and quite stable Ni/MCM-41 catalyst were synthesized through direct hydrothermal and wet impregnation procedure, respectively. The effect of Ce impregnation into Ni/MCM-41 catalyst was evaluated in steam reforming of ethanol. Physical properties of obtained samples characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and H2 temperature program reduction (H2-TPR). The best catalytic results over ethanol steam reforming reaction, were obtained with Ce-Ni/MCM-41 catalyst, i.e. 94% ethanol conversion and 76.5% hydrogen selectivity. These results remained constant about 90 h time on stream and ethanol conversion decreased to 78% after 120 h.