Ce1−xSrxO2−δ solid solution supports cobalt-based catalysts for hydrogen production via auto-thermal reforming of acetic acid

Abstract

Auto-thermal reforming (ATR) is an effective route to extract hydrogen from acetic acid (Hac) derived from biomass. However, carbon deposition and sintering of the cobalt metal are the main concerns that lead to the deactivation of catalysts. Herein, a series of Co–Ce–Sr_x–O catalysts were prepared by a hydrothermal method, and the characterization results showed that the structure of the Ce_1−xSr_xO_2−δ solid solution was formed by the incorporation of alkaline Sr into the fluorite structure of CeO₂. Moreover, Co was highly dispersed on the Ce_1−xSr_xO_2−δ solid solution, which provided more active sites to absorb and activate the reactant. In addition, the doping of Sr into CeO₂ can significantly reduce the formation energy of oxygen vacancies and promote the activation of surface oxygen species in CeO₂, thus effectively improving the anti-coking performance of catalysts. Consequently, the Co_1.15Ce_2.50Sr_0.75O_6.50±δ catalyst exhibited distinguished reactivity and enhanced stability with HAc conversion of near 100% and H₂ yield of 2.72 mol-H₂/mol-HAc without obvious coking.