On the effect of the washcoat on partial oxidation and steam reforming of ethanol on Ni/Al2O3 monolith in short contact time reactors

Hydrogen is an environmentally promising energy carrier, with a high potential for use in the mobility and energy sectors. However, large use of hydrogen still demands on efficient and safe handling, transportation and storage infrastructure. The short contact time reactors have been investigated as an alternative to produce a hydrogen-rich syngas close to its use. The control of manufacturing process of such reactors and their influence on the their performance are of great interest. Here, we investigated the effect of the washcoat in the Ni/Al2O3 short contact time reactors on the catalytic activity of steam reforming and partial oxidation of ethanol. The influence of the coating process on the washcoat thickness and catalyst morphology was explored. The catalytic activity were tested in order to understand the effect of the washcoat in the ethanol conversion, products distribution and the improvement of hydrogen production. Results indicated the increase in the BET surface area as the monolith is coate...