Autothermal syngas production from model gasoline over Ni, Rh and Ni-Rh/Al sub(2)O sub(3) monolithic catalysts

On-board reforming of liquid fuels is attractive for fuel cell-powered auxiliary power units in vehicles. In this work, monometallic Ni/Al sub(2)O sub(3)/cordierite, Rh/Al sub(2)O sub(3)/cordierite and bimetallic Ni-Rh/Al sub(2)O sub(3)/cordierite monolithic catalysts were prepared, characterized and tested in ATR of isooctane for syngas production. Compared to monometallic formulations, the bimetallic Ni-Rh/Al sub(2)O sub(3) catalyst was active for ATR at lower temperature and H sub(2) production already reached the equilibrium composition in 400-550 degree C temperature range. The Ni-Rh/Al sub(2)O sub(3) catalyst exhibited stable performances for 140 h in ATR of isooctane at 700 degree C, and was unaffected by oxidizing conditions at 700 degree C. Thermoneutral reactions conditions at H sub(2)O/C = 2 were obtained with O/C = 0.66. Carbon deposition was marginal during ATR of isooctane and no carbons whiskers were detected. Post-reaction characterizations showed that the Ni particles were small enough to prevent filamentous carbon formation, while Rh also prevented carbon film deposition by improving the gasification of adsorbed C with steam.