Effect of LaAlO₃-supported modified Ni-based catalysts on aqueous phase reforming of glycerol

Abstract

The present study investigates the catalytic performance over Ni-based catalysts supported on LaAlO₃ perovskite for aqueous phase reforming of glycerol to produce hydrogen. The X–Ni/LaAlO₃ (X = Cu, Co, Fe) catalysts were prepared by precipitation. The amount of added Cu, Fe, and Co in the Ni/LaAlO₃ catalyst was fixed at 5 wt.%. The catalytic reaction was tested at 250 °C and 20 bar with a reactant feed of 15 wt.% aqueous glycerol solution (5 mL/h). The modified Ni/LaAlO₃ catalysts were characterized by Brunauer–Emmett–Teller surface area analysis, X-ray diffraction, H₂-temperature programmed reduction, H₂-chemisorption, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. The morphology and carbon deposition of used catalysts were examined by scanning electron microscopy and thermo-gravimetric analysis, respectively. The Cu–Ni/LaAlO₃ catalyst showed the highest glycerol conversion and hydrogen selectivity, a result attributed to the synergistic effect of the nickel and copper components in the catalyst. The small size and high dispersion of Ni particles and suppressed carbon deposition in the Cu–Ni/LaAlO₃ catalyst positively influenced its catalytic performance.