LAUSR

The aqueous phase reforming (APR) reaction of glycerol considered to be environmentally green. It converted polyols into value added products including; H2 and alkanes. Ni species known for its capability of producing alkane-rich gas under the APR process conditions might be utilized for this purpose. In this research, the conversion of glycerol into alkanes demonstrated using 10wt% Ni/CexZr1-xO2 (with x = 0, 0.3, 0.5, 0.7 and 1) catalysts. In order to better understand the behavior of these materials, they were evaluated physio-chemically through the; XRD, BET, H2-TPR, H2-Chemisorption and TEM analyses. Moreover; performances of the synthesized materials were determined through their reactivity. Results revealed that, this variable depended strongly upon the Ce/Zr ratio in turn affecting the active metal dispersion, BET surface area and particle size distribution of prepared species. Amongst catalysts prepared, an optimum one with composition of 10wt% Ni/Ce0.3Zr0.7O2 was pinpointed. This showed the highest carbon content in the gaseous product (99%), highest alkane selectivity (40%) as well as; a minimum of 25 h of stability. Ultimately, it was concluded that, the overall catalytic performance of the prepared materials lowered in the following order: Ni/Ce0.3Zr0.7O2 > Ni/Ce0.5Zr0.5O2 > Ni/Ce0.7Zr0.3O2 > Ni/ZrO2 > Ni/CeO2.