Ce-substituted LaNiO3 mixed oxides as catalyst precursors for glycerol steam reforming

•La1−xCexNiO3 perovskites as precursors of Ni catalysts for glycerol reforming.•Catalysts evaluated concerning catalytic activity and resistance to deactivation.•La partial substitution by Ce improved catalyst resistance to carbon deposition.•Deactivation-resistance is ascribed to formation of CeO2–La2O3 solid solution. Mixed oxides of general formula La1−xCexNiO3 were prepared by self-combustion method and taken as precursors of Ni-supported catalysts for an experimental investigation of steam reforming of glycerol. The mixed oxide precursors and the corresponding derived fresh catalysts were characterized by XRD, TPR and TEM while the used catalysts were investigated by FE-SEM, TEM and TPO/TGA-MS. All catalysts were investigated on glycerol steam reforming with special focus on the resistance to deactivation. The precursors led to active catalysts, producing hydrogen-rich gas stream. Deactivation was seen to occur irrespective of catalyst composition. Substitution of 50% La by Ce provided more deactivation-resistant catalyst, allowing only minor amount of more reactive carbon deposits. It was suggested to be associated with the formation of CeO2–La2O3 solid solutions, as evidenced by XRD, which would act as an oxygen buffer and therefore facilitate the removal of carbon deposits onto the catalyst surface.