Tin and lanthanum modified Ni/CeO2 catalyst systems for low temperature steam reforming of ethanol

This work examines the Ni-Sn/Ce-La-O catalyst systems for low-temperature stream reforming of ethanol. Catalysts of 5 and 20 wt% metal loading, and different Ce:La ratios are prepared by ultra-sonication assisted solution combustion synthesis method. Catalysts at total metal loading 5 wt% with 33 and 67 at. % La and optimum Sn (Ni:Sn = 14:1) demonstrate better efficiency compared to the Ni/CeO2 catalysts. At 20 wt% metal loading and Ni:Sn = 1:1 atomic ratio, catalytic activity degrades. The best activity and stability are revealed for the N14S1(5)/CL21 catalyst with 5 wt.% total metal loading, Ni:Sn = 14:1, and Ce:La = 2:1 mol ratio. Physico-chemical characterizations (XRD, H2-TPR, NH3-TPD, Raman, FESEM, TEM, XPS, N2 adsorption-desorption, DTA/TGA, etc.) are performed to understand the role of the metal loading, Sn, and La in the catalytic activity and coke deposition behavior.(c) 2023 Hydrogen Energy Publications LLC. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.