Hydrogen production by ethanol steam reforming over Cu and Ni catalysts supported on ZrOsub(2) and Alsub(2)Osub(3) microspheres

Abstract

Ethanol reforming process to produce hydrogen rich-gas stream is performed using Cu/Ni catalyst supported on zirconia and alumina microspheres prepared by hydrolysis method. Theses catalysts were tested in a fixed-bed reactor system employing steam reforming of ethanol. The operating temperature was 550°C and water/ethanol feed ratio 3/1. Although all catalysts were very active for ethanol conversion and very selective towards the desired products, but that one supported on zirconia microspheres was produced slightly better results. The data reveal high activity of the Cu/Ni/ZrO2 catalyst for ethanol steam reforming and presented a good selectivity for H2.