Fibrous alumina-based Ni-MO_x (M = Mg, Cr, Ce) catalysts for propane pre-reforming

In the scope of transition to closed carbon cycle economy hydrogen is becoming a major energy carrier and the development of novel functional materials for its production and storage is of great interest. Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) is one of the primary options for this purpose due to high energy density and well-developed production and transportation infrastructure. We report novel alumina nanofibers supported Ni-MO_x (M = Mg, Cr, Ce) catalysts for the steam reforming of LPG, prepared via template-assisted wet-combustion synthesis using glycine as a fuel additive. High dispersion and uniform distribution of nickel and MO_x species over nanofibers surface were provided by this preparation technique. The catalysts exhibited sufficient activity, stability and coking resistance in propane pre-reforming at low steam to carbon ratio and temperatures of 350–425 °C. Catalytic activity in propane pre-reforming increased in order Ni-MgO/ANF < Ni-CeO_x/ANF < Ni-CrO_x/ANF. High activity is most likely associated with high specific Ni surface area and red-ox properties of carriers.