Hydrogen Production by Steam Reforming of Fusel Oil Using a CeCoOx Mixed‐Oxide Catalyst

Abstract Various CeCoO x mixed‐oxide catalysts with different Ce/Co ratios were prepared by surfactant‐assisted template precipitation of CeO 2 and Ce 3 O 4 . The obtained catalysts were characterized by X‐ray diffraction, X‐ray photoelectron spectra, hydrogen temperature‐programmed reduction, nitrogen physisorption, and transmission electron microscopy. In general, the mixed‐oxide CeCoO x catalysts showed well‐dispersed CeO 2 and Co 3 O 4 and good catalytic characteristics including a high specific surface area and porous structure. The effectiveness of the prepared catalysts on the hydrogen (H 2 ) production from steam reforming of fusel oil was studied in a packed‐bed reactor. Co played an important role in C–C scission to break down the large C 2–5 molecules into smaller species resulting in H 2 formation. Ce could provide supplementary active oxygen to prevent coke formation on Co, resulting in a more stable activity of the mixed‐oxide catalyst throughout the reaction course.