Design of a Catalytic System for Syngas Production via Steam Reforming of Acetic Acid

Being aware of the limited amount of fossil fuels and looking for new sustainable and environmentally friendly energy sources, hydrogen has being recognized as a suitable alternative. It can be sustainably formed from biomass and used in fuel cells for clean energy production. Since acetic acid (AcOH) is one of the main compounds of the bio-oil, its direct use in the Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC) was considered as an alternative fuel in this thesis. The aim was to design catalytic systems for the steam reforming (SR) of AcOH into a syngas (H2 and CO) rich gas, which in turn is electrochemically oxidized in a SOFC producing electricity and heat. The prepared catalysts were based on Ni or Co low cost metals to be competitive in the market. As catalyst supports single oxides, Al2O3, ZnO, La2O3, and mixed oxides, AlZnOx and AlLaOx were used.