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Hydrogen Production by Steam Reforming of Acetone-Butanol-Ethanol over Supported Nickel Catalysts: Effect of MgO
Arthur Rieger Q Gonçalves1, João Paulo da S Q Menezes1,2, Robinson L Manfro1
1Escola de Química - Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Centro de Tecnologia, Bloco E, sala 206, 21941-909 Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
Abstract:
Hydrogen is rapidly emerging as a cornerstone of sustainable energy strategies, and unlocking its full potential depends on innovative technologies that harness renewable raw materials. In this context, this study explores a promising route: hydrogen production using an ABE (acetone-butanol-ethanol) mixture derived from the fermentation of various biomass substrates. A Ni/MgO-Al2O3 catalyst (20 wt % of NiO and 10 wt % of MgO) was prepared and compared with Ni/Al2O3 in ABE (3:6:1 mass ratio, 10% v/v) steam reforming at 400-600 °C. The MgO-promoted catalyst demonstrated significantly enhanced activity due to its superior Ni dispersion and increased basicity. At 500 °C, the Ni/MgO-Al2O3 catalyst achieved 92% global ABE conversion and a hydrogen yield of 55% while maintaining stable performance over 30 h on stream. Moreover, the coking rate was substantially reduced compared with that of Ni/Al2O3, and the deposited carbon was less amorphous, indicating an improved resistance to deactivation. These findings highlight Ni/MgO-Al2O3 as a promising catalyst for sustainable hydrogen production from biomass-derived ABE mixtures.
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