Abstract:The performance of La₂NiO₄ perovskite catalysts, prepared using a citric acid complexation method, for the steam reforming of ethanol was studied. The catalysts were characterized by X-ray diffractometry (XRD), specific surface area measurements (BET), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The experimental results show that the calcination temperature and the amount of citric acid (CA) have a significant influence on the characteristics of the catalysts and their catalytic activity. Among the catalysts tested, the La₂NiO₄ catalyst calcined at 700 ℃ with n(La)׃n(Ni)׃n(CA) of 2׃1׃3 exhibits the best activity and excellent stability as well as very low coke formation.

Key words: hydrogen; ethanol; perovskite-like oxides; La₂NiO₄