Steam reforming of ethanol on Ni/MgO catalysts: H2 production for MCFC

H2 production by ethanol steam reforming in simulating molten carbonate fuel cell (MCFC) conditions was explored. Ni/MgO catalysts exhibit very high selectivity to H2 and CO2 as a consequence of their low tendency to promote carbon monoxide methanation and ethanol decomposition reactions. Coke formation is strongly depressed due to the benefits induced by the use of basic carrier which positively modify the electronic properties of supported Ni.