Co catalysts modified by rare earths (La, Ce or Pr) for hydrogen production from ethanol

Abstract

Co/MgAl2O4 catalysts modified with La, Pr or Ce were prepared, characterized by differenttechniques and tested in ethanol steam reforming reaction to produce hydrogen. Thecatalytic behavior at 650 C depended on the nature of rare earth. The amount of carbon onpromoted catalysts was significantly lower than that on unpromoted one. The Pr and Lacontaining catalysts produced a high acetaldehyde selectivity which decreased thehydrogen production. The superior performance of the catalyst promoted with 7.8% Cecould be partially explained by a higher dispersion and a high reduction of Co species.