Fluidizable Fe–Co/Ce–ZrO₂ Catalysts for Steam Reforming of Toluene as a Tar Surrogate in Biomass Gasification

Abstract

The Ce–ZrO2 composite based catalysts were successfully synthesized using a hydrothermal synthesis technique. The Fe–Co metals were incorporated on the Ce–ZrO2 composite to enhance its catalytic performance during steam reforming of toluene. X-ray diffraction revealed the crystalline phases of the catalysts. The addition of Fe and Co improved the acidity (NH3-temperature programmed desorption) as well as the specific surface area (Brunauer–Emmett–Teller analysis) of the catalysts. The catalytic performance of the fluidized catalysts was evaluated under the realistic conditions in a CREC riser simulator at three different temperatures (600, 650, and 700 °C). The Fe–Co promoted Fe–Co/Ce–ZrO2 catalysts exhibited better performance for long-term operation in the steam reforming of toluene, while the Ce–ZrO2 composite catalyst stimulates CO2 reforming of methane. Moreover, Fe–Co/Ce–ZrO2 showed the highest H2 production (i.e., 63%) at 700 °C. Thus, Fe–Co/Ce–ZrO2 catalysts hold great promise in producing high-quality syngas for methanol synthesis and Fischer–Tropsch synthesis.