Steam reforming of acetic acid for hydrogen production over Ni/CaxFeyO catalysts

Abstract Three Ni/CaxFeyO (x/y = 2:1, 1:1, 1:2) catalysts are prepared by impregnation method and applied in steam reforming of acetic acid as the model compound of bio-oil for hydrogen production. The effects of reaction temperature, steam to carbon ratio (S/C), liquid hourly space velocity (LHSV) on gas contents and H2 yield are carefully investigated and optimized. The fresh and used catalysts are characterized by BET, XRD, H2-TPR, CO2-TPD, SEM and TG methods. The experimental and characterization results show that the Ni/CaFe2O4 catalyst displays the best activity and stability among the three catalysts, providing 92.1% of H2 yield under S/C = 5, LHSV = 3.4 h−1 and at 600 °C. The strong interaction between Ni and CaFe2O4 support result in the formation of Ni–Fe alloy and Ca2Fe2O5, which shows the synergistic effects on the resistant to carbon deposition and metal sintering, thereby improving the activity and stability of the Ni/CaFe2O4 catalyst.