Hydrogen source technology for fuel cell: Study on ethanol steam reforming to produce hydrogen at middle or low temperature

A catalyst of Ni nano-particles supported on Y₂0₃, which was prepared by the impregnation-hot decomposition, was studied. The structural properties of the catalysts were tested through X ray diffraction and BET area test. The catalytic properties of the catalyst were tested through a fix bed reactor, and it shows a high activity for the ethanol steam reforming with a high conversion of ethanol. The catalyst has long term stability for the steam reforming of ethanol, and it's therefore a good choice for ethanol processors in fuel cells.