Steam reforming of n-dodecane over mesoporous alumina supported nickel catalysts: Effects of metal-support interaction on nickel catalysts

Developing a highly active and stable Ni-based catalyst is still a challenge for the generation of on-site hydrogen through steam reforming of long-chained hydrocarbons, such as kerosene fuels. Ni nanoparticles (ca. 5 nm) on mesoporous alumina prepared by atomic layer deposition (ALD) were employed in steam reforming of n-dodecane, and exhibited a turnover frequency (TOF) of 477.6 h⁻¹, whereas Ni nanoparticles on commercial alumina support prepared by impregnation method exhibited a TOF of 100 h⁻¹. The high activity of ALD Ni catalysts was ascribed to high reduction degree, as confirmed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and H₂-chemisorption. A deactivation was also observed on the ALD prepared catalysts, which was ascribed to the weak metal-support interaction, as confirmed by H₂ temperature-programmed reduction (TPR). The ALD Ni/Al₂O₃ catalysts were further modified with CeO₂ and they showed enhanced stability with 8% deactivation degree in steam reforming of n-dodecane. Further characterizations of spent catalysts showed that the presence of CeO₂ was favorable for stabilizing Ni nanoparticles by enhancing moderate metal-support interaction, and reducing the formation of coke on the interfaces of Ni[sbnd]CeO₂.