Ni-Fe-Ce hydrotalcite-derived structured reactor as catalyst for efficient steam reforming of toluene

Abstract Development of the efficient and inexpensive catalyst for steam reforming of biomass tar plays a significant role in the wide application of biomass gasification. In the present study, the long, through, but distorted channels with a low tortuosity of wood, which are preserved after carbonization and the Ni-Fe-Ce hydrotalcite-derived catalyst deposition, were employed for the catalytic steam reforming of biomass tar. Outstanding catalytic activity was achieved as the reactant gases flow through the Ni-Fe-Ce hydrotalcite-derived structured reactor (NiFeCe-HTc/WC), with over 98.5% toluene conversion and good stability observed at 550 °C. Moreover, the NiFeCe-HTc/WC catalyst exhibited much better catalytic performance compared to the NiFe-HTc/WC catalyst and the Ni-Fe-Ce hydrotalcite-derived catalyst supported on traditional activated carbon (NiFeCe-HTc/AC). This was because of the presence of Ce, the open but distorted channels of monolithic wood, and the graphitic carbon layer covering the active sites, which could improve the dispersion of Ni species and the mass transfer efficiency, and prevent coke formation. This work demonstrated that the Ni-Fe-Ce hydrotalcite-derived structured reactor is potentially cost-effective for a range of high-temperature applications.