A review on ethanol steam reforming for hydrogen production over Ni/Al2O3 and Ni/CeO2 based catalyst powders

Hydrogen is contemplated as an alternative clean fuel for the future. Ethanol steam reforming (ESR) is a carbon-neutral, sustainable, green hydrogen production method. Low cost Ni/Al2O3 and Ni/CeO2 powder catalysts demonstrate high ESR activity. However, acidic nature of Al2O3 and instability of CeO2 lead to deactivation of the catalysts easily. This article examines the research articles published on the modification of Ni by various noble and non-noble metals and on alteration of the supports by different metal oxides in detail and their effect on ESR all through 2000–2021. The ESR reaction mechanisms on Ni/Al2O3 and Ni/CeO2 powder catalysts and basic thermodynamics for different possible reactions and H2 yield are explored. Manipulation of catalyst morphology (surface area and particle size) via preparation method, selection of active metal promoter and support modifier are found to be significantly important for H2 production and minimizing carbon deposition on catalysts.