Abstract:
The work was carried out to investigate the effect of catalyst supports (α-Al₂O₃ Ce[subscript 0.75]Zr[subscript 0.25]O₂ MgO and TiO₂), reaction temperature (227-247℃) and ratio of system pressure to saturated steam pressure (1.11.5) on the activity and selectivity of products via aqueous phase reforming of glycerol in fixed bed reactor. The results showed that glycerol conversion and product selectivity depended significantly on the catalyst support and temperature. The maximum glycerol conversion was obtained in the presence of Ni/Ce[subscript 0.75]Zr[subscript 0.25]O₂ and then Ni/a-Al₂O₃, whilst the minimum glycerol conversion was observed in the presence of Ni/TiO₂ and Ni/MgO. This is because Ni/Ce[subscript 0.75]Zr[subscript 0.25]O₂ exhibited a high Ni distribution, high surface area and the absence of solid solution formation. The principle products in gas phase were CO₂ H₂ CH₄ and CO. Ni/Ce[subscript 0.75]Zr[subscript 0.25]O₂ showed the rate of formation of H₂ CO₂ and CH₄ higher than Ni/a-Al₂O₃. This is caused by the fact that CeO₂ in Ce[subscript 0.75]Zr[subscript 0.25]O₂ solid solution can promote the water gas shift reaction and methanation via CO and/or CO₂ to form CH₄. Additionally, the formation of 1,2-propanediol in liquid product, particularly in case of Ni/a-Al₂O₃ and Ni/Ce[subscript 0.75]Zr[subscript 0.25]O₂ was found. Higher reaction temperature can facilitate higher glycerol conversion and rate of formation of H₂ CO₂ and CH₄ on Ni/Ce[subscript 0.75]Zr[subscript 0.25]O₂ and Ni/a-Al₂O₃ but it decreased the 1,2-propanediol and gaseous product selectivity. Although the pressure had no influence on the glycerol conversion, it decreased the quantity of gaseous product but increased the liquid product.