Improvement of low temperature activity and stability of Ni catalysts with addition of Pt for hydrogen production via steam reforming of ethylene glycol

Hydrogen production by steam reforming of ethylene glycol（EG） at 300℃ was investigated over SiO;and CeO;supported Pt–Ni bimetallic catalysts prepared by incipient wetness impregnation methods. It was observed that impregnation sequence of Pt and Ni can affect the performance of catalysts apparently. Catalyst with Pt first and then Ni addition showed higher EG conversion and H;yield owing to the Ni enrichment on the surface and the proper interaction between Pt and Ni. It was observed that although SiO;supported catalysts exhibited better activity and H;selectivity, CeO;supported ones had better stability. This is attributed to the less coke formation on CeO;. Increasing Pt/Ni ratio enhanced the reaction activity, and Pt;–Ni;catalysts with 3 wt% Pt and 7 wt% Ni showed the highest activity and stability. Ni surficial enrichment facilitated the C-C bond rupture and water gas shift reactions; and Pt addition inhibited methanation reaction. Electron transfer and hydrogen spillover from Pt to Ni suppressed carbon deposition. These combined effects lead to the excellent performance of Pt;–Ni;supported catalysts.