LAUSR

In this paper, three Ni/Al2O3 catalysts with different structure were prepared by different methods. The differences between the catalysts had been compared by H2 temperature program reduction (H2‐TPR), X‐ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, scanning electron microscope, transmission electron microscope, and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The results showed that synthesis method had significant effect on the combination of Ni particle with carrier. The method of coprecipitation could help to improve the combination of Ni and Al2O3, and the effect was further enhanced after adding polyethylene glycol (PEG). Due to the enhanced interaction between the active metal and the carrier, the NiO could be easily deoxidized and hard to sinter, which could obtain smaller and more dispersed Ni particles. Moreover, the addition of PEG improved the Ni particle size and its dispersion, and promoted the formation of the unique acicular Al2O3. The performance of guaiacol steam catalytic reforming via different catalysts was further analyzed, and the results showed the catalyst obtained by coprecipitation method with PEG exhibited best activity with 73.8% guaiacol conversion and 23.1 wt% H2 yield.