Steam reforming of ethanol on a Ni/Al₂O₃ catalyst coupled with a hydrotalcite‐like sorbent in a multilayer pattern for co₂ uptake

Abstract

Abstract Steam reforming of ethanol (SRE) on a Ni/Al 2 O 3 catalyst was studied. The effects of the operating conditions and catalyst nature on the course of reaction were evaluated. Hydrogen was generated in the temperature range between 100 and 600°C. A mechanism was used to explain the reaction pathways. A commercial hydrotalcite‐like sorbent arranged in a multilayer pattern of catalyst and sorbent was used for CO 2 ‐uptake to enhance hydrogen production. The concept of sorption enhanced reaction process on SRE is illustrated by the operation of catalyst and CO 2 ‐sorbent at 400°C. A lower flow rate regime and multilayer pattern system enhances hydrogen production in the initial breakthrough periods. CO appears in traces in the product gas stream. © 2011 Canadian Society for Chemical Engineering