Production of hydrogen for MC fuel cell by steam reforming of ethanol over MgO supported Ni and Co Catalysts

Steam reforming of ethanol, in simulated MCFC operative conditions was investigated over MgO supported Ni and Co catalysts. Ni/MgO catalysts exhibit higher activity and selectivity to H2 than Co/MgO catalysts because of the lower tendency of Ni to oxidize during reaction and to promote carbon monoxide methanation and ethanol decomposition reactions. Coke formation was strongly depressed due to the benefits gained through the use of basic carrier (MgO). Endurance tests carried out at low gas hourly space velocity (10,000 h-1) for 630 h showed that Ni/MgO catalyst possesses adequate characteristics to be proposed as an efficient catalytic system for the production of hydrogen for MCFC.