Lanthanum Effect on Ni/Al2O3 as a Catalyst Applied in Steam Reforming of Glycerol for Hydrogen Production

Abstract

Nowadays, the massive production of biodiesel leads to a surplus of glycerol. Thus, new applications of this by-product are being developed. In this study, glycerol steam reforming was carried out with Ni catalysts supported on Al2O3 rings and La-modified Al2O3. The catalysts were characterized by N2 physical adsorption, X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and thermogravimetry. Both catalysts were effective in glycerol steam reforming. However, Ni/Al2O3 activity decreased over reaction time. Ni/La2O3/Al2O3 showed the best stability during the reaction. In addition, the activity of the modified support, La2O3/Al2O3, was evaluated. The modification of the support lent catalytic properties to the solid. Some conditions such as catalyst arrangement (catalyst in the first or second reactor), space velocity, and reaction temperature were studied. The highest hydrogen production was obtained when half the amount of the catalyst was located in both reactors. Glycerol conversion into gases was similar, regardless the space velocity, although higher amounts of H2 were obtained when this variable decreased. Complete glycerol conversion into gases was obtained at 900 and 1000 °C, and hydrogen production reached a H2/glycerol molar ratio of 5.6. Finally, the presence of the catalyst and the optimization of these conditions increased the energy capacity of the produced stream.