Study of Operating Parameters on the Optimum Hydrogen Yield Through the Ethanol Steam Reforming

This work presents a detailed study of the effects of reaction parameters on the 7.5Ni-7.5La/Ce-Zr catalyst in catalytic steam reforming of ethanol (SRE). The study of the collective effect of reaction parameters on the product yield will help to design an efficient catalyst system for the reforming process. The catalyst morphology and properties were analysed by different techniques such as FESEM, XRD, BET, and TPR. The catalyst activity test was performed in a tubular reactor with different S/C ratios, temperatures, and flow rates. The catalyst showed an optimum hydrogen yield (3.8) and ethanol conversion (98 %) at a S/C ratio of 4.5, a feed flow rate of 2.5 g/gcat-h, and a temperature of 600 °C. The exit flow rate of H₂ is found to be 10 mmol/min at the same reaction condition. The present catalyst shows superior catalytic performance and resistance to carbon deposition during SRE.