Catalytic Reforming of Oxygenates: State of the Art and Future Prospects

Abstract

This Review describes recent advances in the design, synthesis, reactivity, selectivity, structural, and electronic properties of the catalysts for reforming of a variety of oxygenates (e.g., from simple monoalcohols to higher polyols, then to sugars, phenols, and finally complicated mixtures like bio-oil). A comprehensive exploration of the structure-activity relationship in catalytic reforming of oxygenates is carried out, assisted by state-of-the-art characterization techniques and computational tools. Critical emphasis has been given on the mechanisms of these heterogeneous-catalyzed reactions and especially on the nature of the active catalytic sites and reaction pathways. Similarities and differences (reaction mechanisms, design and synthesis of catalysts, as well as catalytic systems) in the reforming process of these oxygenates will also be discussed. A critical overview is then provided regarding the challenges and opportunities for research in this area with a focus on the roles that systems of heterogeneous catalysis, reaction engineering, and materials science can play in the near future. This Review aims to present insights into the intrinsic mechanism involved in catalytic reforming and provides guidance to the development of novel catalysts and processes for the efficient utilization of oxygenates for energy and environmental purposes.

Oxidative Steam Reforming of Raw Bio-Oil over Supported and Bulk Ni Catalysts for Hydrogen Production

“…This technique provides information concerning the total coke content and the nature and/or location of the deposited coke (based on the position of the combustion peaks in the TPO profile), which is of interest for relating it with the deactivation rate and with the properties of the catalysts. It is well established that the deposition of coke is the main deactivation cause in the reforming of pure oxygenates and of bio-oil [60]. Moreover, the TPO profile provides information on the minimum temperature required for assuring total coke removal, which will be necessary in order to recover the activity of the fresh catalyst.…”

Highly efficient steam reforming of ethanol (SRE) over CeO x grown on the nano Ni x Mg y O matrix: H 2 production under a high GHSV condition

“…16 For the Ni x Mg y O-Ce, it is obvious that the total reducibility of primary nickel specie (around 884°C) decreased after the doping with the promoter, which suggests that surface-isolated CeO 2 could consume surface hydrogen gas and hinder hydrogen from penetrating into the matrix of solid solution for Ni 2+ reduction. 35 The broad shoulder peak near 730°C could also be explained as the reduction of Ni 2+ at sublayers, 24,34 which was similar with the situation of the shoulder peak of the Ni x Mg y O at 630°C. These broad shoulder peaks could also be attributed to the reduction of CeO 2 particles dispersed on the surface.…”

Synthesis and Study of Structural Properties of Composites Based on Ni-Ru for Steam Conversion of Ethanol

“…In this regard, the need to create new catalysts for the steam conversion of ethanol to hydrogen and synthesis gas is of great interest. Well known catalysts for steam reforming of oxygen-containing compounds are usually noble [3][4][5] or transition metals [6][7][8][9] deposited on the surface of porous supports. The main problem that impedes their industrial application is the coke formation on the surface of catalysts and, as a consequence, their deactivation [6][7][8][9][10].…”