Characterization of Ni/Ce(x)Zr(1-x)O2 Catalyst for Autothermal Reforming

The catalytic performance and characterization of Ni/CexZr1-xO2 were investigated using an autothermal reforming(ATR) process for hydrogen production. The Ni/CexZr1-xO2 catalysts were prepared using the following methods: the water method (W), urea water method (UW), urea ethylacetate method (UE) and urea water - alcohol method (UWA). The effect of the support composition as well as the metal loading on the ATR reaction was examined in a fixed-bed flow reactor, over a temperature range of 300 to 700 „aC. The catalysts were characterized using various techniques. The characterization results prevented carbon deposition on the surface of Ni/CexZr1-xO2. SEM indicated that the surface carbon was denser on the Ni/CZ - UW used catalyst than on the Ni/CZ - UWA used catalyst.

TGA showed that the amount of carbon deposition on the Ni/CeZr - UWA was approximately 19% lower than on the Ni/CZ - UW catalyst. SEM indicated that the surface carbon was denser on the Ni/CZ - UW used catalyst compared with the Ni/CZ - UWA used catalyst. In addition, there was a higher level of hydrogen production on the Ni/CZ - UWA catalyst than on the other catalyst. However, further studies will be needed to confirm the stability of the Ni/CZ - UWA catalyst.