Comparison of Catalysts for Hydrogen Production by the Ethanol Steam Reforming Reaction. Catalytic Role of Active Metallic Species in the Ethanol Steam Reforming Reaction Pathway

A comparison among some catalysts, which have been already reported in the bibliography, for hydrogen production via the ethanol steam reforming reaction is done. The role of every studied active metallicspecie (Co, Ni, Cu and Zn species) and some supports (Al2O3, SiO2) in the ethanol steam reforming reaction pathway in the range of 300-500oC is found. The effect of the operation variables on conversion, yield, selectivity and catalyst stability is also studied. Taking into account that the ethanol steam reforming reaction could be a global chemical process of a small group of well known consecutive reactions, it is proposed that every different step in the ethanol steam reforming reaction can be consecutively and separately optimized using the most convenient catalyst for each one and not necessarily only one catalyst for the whole process.