Effect of synthesis parameters on the catalytic activity of Co–ZrO₂ for bio-ethanol steam reforming

The effects of synthesis parameters on the activity of Co–ZrO₂ catalysts in bio-ethanol steam reforming (BESR) were investigated. The supported catalysts were prepared by incipient wetness impregnation (IWI) and characterized through N₂ physisorption, H₂ chemisorption, X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, temperature programmed calcination, temperature programmed reduction, temperature programmed oxidation, thermogravimetric analysis, ethanol pulse chemisorption, and temperature programmed reaction techniques. The synthesis parameters examined include calcination temperature, reduction temperature, and reduction time. The catalyst evolution at different stages of the synthesis process was investigated. The ethanol adsorption and temperature programmed reaction experiments indicated a strong correlation between the catalytic activity and metallic cobalt surface area for the 10 wt% Co–ZrO₂ catalyst.