Supercritical Water Ethanol Reforming for Hydrogen Production: (Effect of Different Support on Nickel Based Catalyst in Supercritical Water Condition)

Abstract

The aim of this work is to study the behaviour of different supports
 
of nickel based catalyst for hydrogen production by supercritical water
 
reforming of ethanol in high pressure. Catalytic tests have been performed
 
at laboratory scale under high pressure and supercritical water condition.
 
Catalyst characterization was carried out to identify catalytic properties
 
such as, surface area, temperature programmed desorption (TPD) and
 
temperature programmed reduction (TPR). The analyses of liquid and
 
gas were carried out in different G.C. In present condition, the support
 
effects well the physical and chemical properties of catalyst. γ-Alumina
 
and YSZ increase the acid sites. The composition of product and production
 
of hydrogen varies with different support. ZrO₂ and YSZ make
 
easier the reduction of nickel oxide at temperature blow 500 ºC and
 
increase the ethanol conversion and hydrogen production. The product
 
composi-tion depends not only to temperature but also to the degree of
 
nickel oxide reduction over support. In low temperature, nickel oxide
 
favorite production of C₂H₄, C₂H₆ and heavier compounds. ZrO₂ and
 
specially YSZ are the best support to produce hydrogen with less carbon
 
monoxide.