Shaped mesostructured Ni/CeO2 as active catalysts in hydrogen production from acetic acid oxidative steam reforming

Bentonite or attapulgite extrudates calcined with 1°C/min heating rate demonstrated better mechanical resistance. Higher acetic acid conversion and hydrogen yield were obtained using attapulgite.

Conditions to avoid concentration gradients around or within the catalyst pellets were determined by analyzing both external mass transfer limitations and internal diffusion resistance (Weisz-Prater criterion<1). Finally, the reusability of Ni/m-CeO2-A extrudates, prepared using attapulgite, was evaluated. Used Ni/m-CeO2-A completed five successive regeneration-reaction cycles at 550°C under high space velocity (WHSV=60 h-1) to provoke severe catalyst deactivation by coke deposition.