LAUSR

This study investigated the influence of palladium on the catalytic performance of Ni/SiO2 obtained by incipient wetness impregnation method. Ni/SiO2 and Pd–Ni/SiO2 catalysts were tested in the steam reforming of ethanol for hydrogen production. X-ray diffraction, X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy, N2 adsorption–desorption, temperature programmed reduction with hydrogen (H2-TPR) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy were used to characterize the catalysts in detail. The incorporation of small amount of palladium into Ni/SiO2 catalyst shifts the reduction of Ni species towards lower temperatures. All catalysts displayed total ethanol conversion and high H2 selectivity (~ 60%) above 500 °C. Compared to other Ni-based catalysts reported in the recent literature, the catalysts here investigated show promising potential for further application in the hydrogen production by ethanol steam reforming, but CO selectivity should be decreased for fuel cell applications. Production of hydrogen by steam reforming of ethanol over Pd-promoted Ni/SiO2 catalyst