Research of Fe-promoted nickel catalyst in steam reforming of ethanol

Nickel catalysts added Fe as promober for steam reforming of ethanol were prepared using precipitation method. The structure and performance of the catalysts were measured by X-ray diffraction and evaluated in a fixed-bed with three heat sections. The results show that proper quantity of Fe could inhibit the formation of NiAl₂O₄ and improve the dispersion of NiO on the surface of catalysts and water-gas shift reaction, which enhance the selectivity of hydrogen. However, too much Fe would decrease the performance of the catalyst. Ni is more effective in cleavage of C-C bonds than Fe.