Ni/CeO₂ catalysts synthesized by SCS with a porous γ-Al₂O₃ support for efficient H₂ production via aqueous-phase glycerol reforming

Aqueous-phase reforming (APR) of glycerol for H₂ production was evaluated over a supported Ni/CeO₂ (CeNi) catalyst prepared by introducing a porous γ-Al₂O₃ support into the reaction mixture during solution combustion synthesis. This approach enables the preparation of a catalyst with improved pore volume and average pore size, which is crucial for facilitating reactant diffusion. Unlike the bulk CeNi system, the presence of alumina increases the availability of active nickel nanoparticles and enhances ceria and nickel dispersion. The glycerol APR results show that CeNi/γ-Al₂O₃ provides higher glycerol conversion and hydrogen yield compared to the bulk system. Notably, halving the active component content leads to a 2.3-fold increase in activity, which is independent of the feed flow rate and, consequently, of the extent of diffusion limitations. The catalyst obtained in this study outperformed known analogs in terms of H₂ formation rate, while maintaining high glycerol conversion and H₂ selectivity.

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