Effects of CeZrO2–Al2O3 support composition of metal-foam-coated Pd–Rh catalysts for the steam-biogas reforming reaction

[Display omitted] •Effects of CeZrO2–Al2O3 support composition on Pd–Rh catalyst for SBR were evaluated.•CeZrO2-modification of the catalyst support improved CH4 and CO2 conversions of SBR.•The variation helps to adjust H2/CO ratio and H2/CH4 yield vital for some downstream processes.•CeZrO2 addition suppressed coke formation, for improved oxygen storage and oxide reducibility.•Pd–Rh catalysts exhibit stable performance for 200h, although sintering occurred. Biogas conversion to syngas by steam reforming was studied over metal-foam-coated Pd–Rh catalysts with variable CeZrO2–Al2O3 support compositions. Catalysts with a higher CeZrO2/Al2O3 ratio exhibited greater CH4 and CO2 conversions and higher H2/CH4 yields, while displaying lower H2/CO ratios and reduced coke formation. Catalytic stability tests over 200h showed CH4 and CO2 conversion rates of 93–97% and 0–5%, respectively. CeZrO2-modification of the catalyst leads to reduction in the BET area and metal dispersion. Sintering was observed in used catalysts; however there was no clear correlation between the extent of morphological deterioration and the CeZrO2/Al2O3 ratio of the catalyst support.