Process Intensification by Exploiting Diluted 2nd Generation Bio-ethanol in the Low-Temperature Steam Reforming Process

Second generation bioethanol, obtained by the fermentation of lignocellulosic biomass, which is not competitive with the food and feed field, is one of the most interesting promising biofuels, already available in semi-commercial amount. Steam reforming of bioethanol has been used here for sustainable hydrogen and syngas production. Differently purified second generation bioethanol feeds, directly supplied by an industrial plant, for the steam reforming process, assessing the influence of impurities and catalyst formulation. Ni/La2O3, Ni/ZrO2 and Ni/CaO–ZrO2 prepared by Flame Spray Pyrolysis were used as catalysts. Catalytic performance at high and low temperature was evaluated in order to investigate a broad range of temperature, which is one of the most critical condition in term of catalyst activity and deactivation, besides energy saving. The possible effect of impurities contained in less purified feedstocks is also discussed. Stable performance up to 100 h-on-stream was attained even under stressing reaction conditions.