Exsolution of Ni nanoparticles from La0.4Sr0.4Ti0.8Ni0.2O3-δ perovskite for ethanol steam reforming

Abstract

The escalating increase in global temperatures has highlighted hydrogen (H2) as a promising alternative clean energy carrier. Hydrogen can be derived from biofuels such as bioethanol, offering an efficient liquid carrier that addresses availability, storage, and distribution issues hindering a widespread use of H2. This study reports on the synthesis of La0.4Sr0.4Ti0.8Ni0.2O3-δ catalysts followed by the exsolution process to enhance catalytic activity for H2 production via ethanol steam reforming (ESR) reaction. Single-phase compounds with exsolved metallic nanoparticles were successfully tested for ESR, revealing an ethanol conversion rate of 40 % and over 40 % H2 production for the catalyst reduced at 1000 °C for 12 hours. Stability tests demonstrated the catalyst's capacity for regeneration in both water vapor and N2. The experimental data demonstrate that exsolving metallic nanoparticles is a viable strategy for producing a stable catalyst for the ESR reaction.