Synthesis and Characterization of Catalyst for Hydrogen Production from Hydrocarbons /

Abstract

Depletion of oil reserves, current hike in crude oil prices and air pollution by burning of fossil fuels are factors which induce researchers to make hydrogen available for use as energy resource. Currently, hydrogen is derived from non-renewable natural gas and petroleum, but in principle, could be generated from renewable resources such as biomass or water. Hydrogen, due to its higher energy value, proves to be an alternative energy source. Currently, most common method to produce hydrogen is reforming of fossil fuels. Many studies have been done for the purpose using various feed-stocks. In this research, catalytic performance of supported metals for H2 production by steam reforming of bio-ethanol in the temperature range of 400-850 oC, is presented. Catalysts were prepared by impregnation and sol-gel method. Experimental results based on using catalysts prepared by both methods, suitability of support for bio-ethanol conversion to H2, and stability of prepared catalysts are evaluated. Co, Ni, Ru were used as active metals supported on Al2O3, ZrO2, CeO2, SiO2, ZnO, TiO2 and China Clay. 1-20% metal loading was used. Characterization of catalysts was done by XRD, SEM and BET surface area. Catalysts’ activity as well as their selectivity can be controlled by means of pore size and volume during synthesis. It was observed that ethanol conversion increases significantly when Al2O3 and ZrO2 supported catalysts are used with bio-ethanol being almost completely converted to hydrogen and other fractions. These findings suggest that catalytic reforming of bio-ethanol could prove to be suitable for generation of hydrogen rich fuel gas from renewable biomass.