Synthesis Gas Production by Steam Reforming of Ethanol over M-Ni-Al Hydrotalcite-type Catalysts; M=Mg, Zn, Mo, Co

This paper presents the investigation of nickel-based hydrotalcite-type materials for the steam reforming of ethanol for synthesis gas production. The partial substitution of Ni by a third element leads to changes in terms of surface area, crystallinity, acidic sites and reduction profile. Lower reaction temperatures favored the dehydration and dehydrogenation of ethanol, while synthesis gas was produced mainly at higher temperatures. Samples modified with Co, Mo and Zn exhibited higher activity at intermediate temperatures, while Co-, Mo- and unmodified samples presented higher selectivity towards H2 and CO at higher temperatures.