Syngas production by partial oxidation of ethanol on PtNi/SiO2–CeO2 catalysts

Syngas production from the partial oxidation of (bio)ethanol (POE) was demonstrated. For this purpose, Pt or Ni with different metal loading supported on CeSiOx were used as catalysts. The catalytic performance was studied in the 600-800 degrees C temperature range and with oxygen-to-ethanol molar ratios of 0.5 and 0.75. The highest ethanol conversion and H-2 and CO selectivities were achieved at 800 degrees C. As byproducts, small amounts of CH4, C2H4O, and C2H4 were found, and their selectivity decreased with increasing the reaction temperature. Carbon formation during POE at 800 degrees C on these catalysts followed the order: 1Pt/CeSiOx < 5Ni/CeSiOx < 1Pt5Ni/CeSiOx < 10Ni/CeSiOx < 1Pt10Ni/CeSiOx. Therefore, 1Pt5Ni/CeSiOx presented the best performance for the POE reaction at 800 degrees C, with low byproduct formation and carbon deposition, thus evidencing the cooperative effect of the support and the synergic effect between the Pt and Ni particles.