Reforming of ethanol on Pt/Al2O3-ZrO2 catalyst

Abstract The steam reforming of ethanol was investigated at 723 K over Al 2 O 3 , ZrO 2 and Al 2 O 3 -ZrO 2 supported Pt catalysts. The samples were characterized by XPS and TPR methods. The surface species formed during the adsorption of ethanol and during the catalytic reaction were investigated by DRIFT and TPD. According to the XPS results the zirconia was partially reduced during the pretreatment and the surface of the catalysts was relatively poor in Zr. Adsorbed CO and surface acetate were detected during the catalytic reaction at 723 K. It means that the formation rate of these species is higher than their decomposition or further reaction. It was established that the acetate located mainly on the Al 2 O 3 surface and much smaller amount can be found on ZrO 2 and on Al 2 O 3 -ZrO 2 supported samples. The decay in the selectivity of H 2 and CO 2 caused by the surface acetate species on Pt/Al 2 O 3 decreased in the presence of ZrO 2 . DRIFT and TPD measurements showed that the zirconia destabilized the acetate groups which resulted in the enhanced H 2 and CO 2 selectivity. The highest turnover number and yield was found on Pt/Al 2 O 3 -ZrO 2 (1:3).