Hydrogen from ethylene glycol by supercritical water reforming using noble and base metal catalysts

• Published in: Applied catalysis. B, Environmental Environmental, 2012-01, Vol.111-112, p.536-544
• Main Authors: de Vlieger, D.J.M., Chakinala, A.G., Lefferts, L., Kersten, S.R.A., Seshan, K., Brilman, D.W.F.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Catalysis; Catalysts; Chemistry; Ethylene glycol; Exact sciences and technology; General and physical chemistry; Hydrogen; Reforming; Renewable; Supercritical water; Sustainable; Theory of reactions, general kinetics. Catalysis. Nomenclature, chemical documentation, computer chemistry
• ISSN: 0926-3373; 1873-3883
• DOI: 10.1016/j.apcatb.2011.11.005

[Display omitted] ► Catalytic reforming of ethylene glycol in supercritical water is studied in the presence Pt based mono- and bi-metallic catalysts (PtNi). ► Pt catalyst showed the highest hydrogen yields compared to Ir and Ni. ► Addition of Ni to the Pt in a PtNi bimetallic catalyst improved hydrogen yields by suppressing methane formation. ► Bimetallic catalysts were found to be more active and stable than the mono-metallic catalysts. Catalytic reforming of ethylene glycol (5 and 15wt%) in supercritical water (450°C and 250bar) in the presence of alumina supported mono- and bi-metallic catalysts based on Ir, Pt and Ni was studied. Pt catalyst showed the highest hydrogen yields compared to Ir and Ni. Varying the Pt loading (0.3–1.5wt%) showed that the intrinsic reforming activities improved with decreasing Pt loadings. However, a lower Pt loading had a large negative effect on the H2 selectivity and catalyst stability. It was found that the presence of Ni in a Pt–Ni bimetallic catalyst improved hydrogen yields by suppressing methane formation. Moreover, the presence of Ni also enhanced catalyst stability. Results reported here were obtained at WHSV of 18h−1. The Pt–Ni/Al2O3 having a total metal loading of 1.5wt% (molar ratio Pt:Ni=1), is identified as a promising catalyst for the reforming of ethylene glycol in supercritical water and may prove suitable for various other SCWG applications.