Hydrogen production via steam reforming of ethylene glycol over Attapulgite supported nickel catalysts

Abstract Steam reforming of ethylene glycol was investigated over Ni-based catalysts supported on Attapulgite (ATP; originating from Jiangsu (JS), Anhui, and Gansu (GS) provinces in China). N 2 adsorption–desorption, XRD, FTIR, H 2 -TPR, NH 3 -TPD, SEM, and TEM-EDS measurements were performed to analyze the catalyst properties. The results revealed that Ni/ATP GS had the largest particle size (17.9 nm) and the highest reductive degree (98.0%). Consequently, Ni/ATP GS showed the highest ethylene glycol conversion (97.2%) during the first 4 h of reaction. However, this catalyst showed the lowest H 2 yield (71.2%), possibly owing to large Ni particle sizes as well as ample surface acidic sites and acidity, leading to a high selectivity toward CH 4 (20.8%) and C 2 H 4 (2.2%). In contrast, Ni/ATP JS presented the highest H 2 yield (89.8%) owing to it having the smallest Ni particle sizes and lowest amount of surface acidic sites. Additionally, this catalyst showed the highest stability over 8 h of reaction. An examination of the spent catalysts revealed that Ni/ATP JS possessed excellent antisintering and coking properties.