Cu and Ni Catalysts Supported on γ-Al2O3 and SiO2 Assessed in Glycerol Steam Reforming Reaction

Cu and Ni catalysts supported on commercial gamma-Al2O3 and SiO2 were tested in the glycerol steam reforming. The catalysts were prepared by the impregnation method and characterized by inductively-coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry, nitrogen physisorption, temperature programmed reduction with H-2 and X-ray diffraction. The characterization indicated several catalytic species in the samples interacting differently with the supports: NiO, CuO and NiAl2O4. The catalytic tests were performed at 600 degrees C, and the best catalyst was also tested at 500 degrees C and 700 degrees C. The results showed that the presence of NiAl2O4 did not favor the deposition of carbon during the reaction, probably due to the greater dispersion of Ni on the catalyst surface. It was also observed that, although NiSi was the most active catalyst for H-2 production, it also showed the highest carbon deposit during the reaction.