CNT-based catalysts for H sub(2) production by ethanol reforming

Hydrogen production by steam reforming of ethanol (SRE) was studied using steam-to-ethanol ratio of 3:1, between the temperature range of 150-450 C over metal and metal oxide nanoparticle catalysts (Ni, Co, Pt and Rh) supported on carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and compared to a commercial catalyst (Ni/Al sub(2)O sub(3)). The aim was to find out the suitability of CNTs supports with metal nanoparticles for the SRE reactions at low temperatures. The idea to develop CNT-based catalysts that have high selectivity for H sub(2) is one of the driving forces for this study. The catalytic performance was evaluated in terms of ethanol conversion, product gas composition, hydrogen yield and selectivity to hydrogen. The Co/CNT and Ni/CNT catalysts were found to have the highest activity and selectivity towards hydrogen formation among the catalysts studied. Almost complete ethanol conversion is achieved over the Ni/CNT catalyst at 400 C. The highest hydrogen yield of 2.5 is, however, obtained over the Co/CNT catalyst at 450 C. The formation of CO and CH sub(4) was very low over the Co/CNT catalyst compared to all the other tested catalysts. The Pt and Rh CNT-based catalysts were found to have low activity and selectivity in the SRE reaction. Hydrogen production via steam reforming of ethanol at low temperatures using especially Co/CNT catalyst has thus potential in the future in e.g. the fuel cell applications.