Preparation of Ni/Al2O3 Catalysts for Aqueous Phase Reforming of Ethanol by Selective Electrostatic Adsorption Method

Preparation of Ni/Al₂O₃ catalysts for aqueous phase reforming of ethanol by selective electrostatic adsorption method

Kavi G.L* and Corey Leclerc

New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology

Socorro, NM

Commercially available alumina, solution combustion synthesized (SCS) alumina and plasma modified SCS alumina were used as supports for Ni catalysts. Nitrogen plasma modification of the SCS alumina as achieved using RF plasma reactor prior to metal deposition.  Ni/Alumina catalysts are prepared by electrostatic adsorption of nickel onto the alumina using pH solutions ranging from 9-13. The effect of substituting hydroxyl groups on alumina versus nitrogen containing groups from the plasma has been tested using a cationic nickel complex. The point of zero charge (PZC) of alumina and SCS alumina are found to be 8.1 and 13 respectively. Surface loading of 20,000 m²/L and 1000 m²/L alumina were used to determine PZC and pH of strongest interaction in all the experiments. The metallic dispersion of all the catalysts have been measured using hydrogen pulse-chemisorption, while the activity of the catalysts has been compared in the aqueous phase reforming of ethanol.