Catalytic steam reforming of biomass-derived acetic acid over modified Ni/Γ-Al₂O₃ for sustainable hydrogen production

In order to obtain sustainable H₂, the catalytic steam reforming of acetic acid derived from biomass was performed by using the catalysts modified with basic promoters (Mg, La, Cu, and K). La and K increased the total basicity of Ni/γ-Al₂O₃ by 30.6% and 93.4%, respectively, which could induce ketonization, producing acetone. In contrast, Mg reduced the number of middle and strong basic sites by 17.2% and improved the number of weak basic sites by 5% for Ni/γ-Al₂O₃, which promoted the steam reforming of acetic acid (ca. 100% of H₂ and carbon selectivity at even 450 °C) without ketonization. Moreover, the amount of carbon deposited on Ni/Mg/γ-Al₂O₃ was 55.1% less than that deposited on Ni/γ-Al₂O₃. When Cu was employed, the conversion was ca. 60% with less than 70% of H₂ selectivity, at all temperatures considered herein.