Copper decorated Perovskite an efficient Catalyst for low temperature Hydrogen production by Steam Reforming of Glycerol

摘要

The LaCuNiO_3 catalysts were prepared by co precipitation method and were well characterized by various techniques including, X-ray diffraction, H_2 temperature-programmed reduction, transmission electron microscopy, temperature programmed desorption of CO_2 and thermo gravimetric analysis. The catalytic activities of the prepared catalysts were studied for the production of H_2 by glycerol steam reforming under the fixed bed down flow reaction conditions. When the catalysts were reduced with H_2, perovskite structure decomposes to La_2O_3, Ni and Cu, Cu deposits on Ni nano particles were generated, thereby forming Cu/Ni nano catalysts. Cu decoration resulted in, higher reduction of active Ni species with moderate basicity, good catalytic activity which was further decreased with increase in Cu concentration. The synergetic effects of the catalysts greatly favor the dehydrogenation of glycerol. Ni and Cu species helps in breaking the C-C bond to produce hydrogen at a low reaction temperature, whereas La_2O_3 provides the required stability for long run studies.