Hydrogen production by ethanol steam reforming over Ni-doped LaNixCo1−xO3−δ perovskites prepared by EDTA-citric acid sol–gel method

Achieving efficient and stable hydrogen production has always been the focus of the industry, and ethanol steam reforming (ESR) is one of the most reliable, recyclable, and cheap technologies. Perovskite nanocomposite catalysts LaNi x Co 1 − x O 3− δ ( x = 0, 0.5, 0.9) have been prepared by an EDTA-citric acid complexing sol–gel method and used for hydrogen production by ESR. A scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), EDS and BET were used to characterize the crystal structure of the fresh and the reduced LaNi 0.5 Co 0.5 O 3− δ . The optimal operating parameters of ESR experiments by Ni-doped LaNi x Co 1 − x O 3− δ perovskites were evaluated in detail. Results indicate that the optimum conditions for ESR are as below: reforming temperature is 600 °C; the molar ratio of H 2 O/C 2 H 5 OH is 5:1. In addition, the stable performance of LaNi 0.5 Co 0.5 O 3− δ under the optimal operating condition was examined. Under the optimal reaction conditions, ethanol conversion of LaNi 0.5 Co 0.5 O 3− δ perovskite as an ESR catalyst can reach the highest 90.2%. The results show that LaNi 0.5 Co 0.5 O 3− δ has excellent stability and catalytic activity. Highlights Ni-doped LaNi x Co 1-x O 3-δ was prepared by the EDTA sol-gel synthesis. LaNi 0.5 Co 0.5 O 3-δ (LNC) obtains the highest ethanol conversion by Ni doping with 0.5. Optimal operating parameters of ESR for LNC is discussed in detail. Ethanol conversion of LNC as ESR catalyst can reach the highest 90.2%.