Ni supported on MgO modified attapulgite as catalysts for hydrogen production from glycerol steam reforming

A series of Mg-modified Ni/Attapulgite (ATP) catalysts have been prepared by impregnation method for glycerol steam reforming to produce hydrogen. The physicochemical proper ties of catalysts were characterized using various techniques including N-2 physical adsorption analysis, XRD, H-2-TPR, SEM, TEM and NH3-TPD. The results of N-2 physical adsorption indicated MgO modified Ni-based catalysts had unique mesostructure, resulting in the high metal dispersion and interaction between active metal and support as proven by XRD, TEM and H-2-TPR. Results of glycerin reforming experiments showed that Ni/10MgO/ATP catalyst had the highest activity than that of the other catalysts. Ni/10MgO/ATP catalyst had the smallest Ni average crystal size (10.1 nm) and the highest surface area (110.31 m(2)/g). These excellent properties made it show the enhanced glycerol conversion (94.71%) and a higher H-2 yield (88.45%) and the longest stability (30 h) during glycerol steam reforming (GSR) at 600 degrees C, W/G = 3, and WHSV = 1 h(-1). The used catalysts after 60 h of glycerin reforming experiments were also investigated by XRD, SEM, TEM, Roman and TG-DTG. The results indicated that the addition of Mg significantly inhibited the sintering of nickel grains and the formation of amorphous carbon. Therefore, Ni/10MgO/ATP catalyst increased the activity of the catalyst and extended the life of the catalyst. (C) 2021 Hydrogen Energy Publications LLC. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.