Synthesis and characterization of Ni-Cu/ZrO2 and Co-Cu/ZrO2 catalysts used for ethanol steam reforming

Abstract

Zirconia has received much attention as catalysts for its high surface area and acid-base property. The textural and acid-base properties of ZrO2 depend on both, the synthesis procedure and the calcinations temperature. The aim of the present study is the preparation and characterization of nickel/cupper/zirconia and cobalt/cupper/zirconia microspheres using hydrolysis process. This process is based on homogeneous hydrolysis of droplets of a concentrated ZrO2(NO3)2-urea solution after adding hexamethyletetramine. Gelation was conduced successfully and the gel spheres were dried at 80 ºC. The dried gel spheres were thermally treated at 550 ºC. Characterization of the samples was performed using X-ray diffraction (XRD), BET nitrogen adsorption, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), thermogravimetric (TGA) and UV-Vis spectroscopy. The performance of the microspheres was investigated as catalysts in steam reforming of ethanol. Theses catalysts exhibit a good selectivity for hydrogen.