Catalytic steam reforming of biomass-derived acetic acid over modified Ni/γ-Al2O3 for sustainable hydrogen production

In order to obtain sustainable H-2, the catalytic steam reforming of acetic acid derived from biomass was performed by using the catalysts modified with basic promoters (Mg, La, Cu, and K). La and K increased the total basicity of Ni/gamma-Al2O3 by 30.6% and 93.4%, respectively, which could induce ketonization, producing acetone. In contrast, Mg reduced the number of middle and strong basic sites by 17.2% and improved the number of weak basic sites by 5% for Ni/gamma-Al2O3, which promoted the steam reforming of acetic acid (ca. 100% of H-2 and carbon selectivity at even 450 C) without ketonization. Moreover, the amount of carbon deposited on Ni/Mg/gamma-Al2O3 was 55.1% less than that deposited on Ni/gamma-Al2O3. When Cu was employed, the conversion was ca. 60% with less than 70% of H-2 selectivity, at all temperatures considered herein. (C) 2018 Hydrogen Energy Publications LLC. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.