Evaluation of Cu/activated carbon and Cu/SiO₂ aerosil catalysts on ethanol reform

Abstract

New ways to produce hydrogen, thought to be the ideal fuel, have been studied and aim at a not-pollutant fuel. Ethanol reform is based on a simple reaction with many advantages for various countries, such as Brazil, where ethanol is produced on a large scale. Within a broader analysis, Cu/activated carbon catalysts with copper concentration of 5% w/w and Cu/SiO₂ aerosil catalysts with copper concentration of 2 and 5% w/w have been prepared by wet impregnation. Decrease in programmed temperature was undertaken. Results of catalytic tests indicated that Cu/activated carbon catalysts probably contain sulfur and this explains why catalyst yields have been diminished. Occurrence may be explained because the results of the supported catalysts do not maintain a standard level and vary randomly with the surface area. Results of Cu/SiO₂ aerosil catalysts show that a conversion reduction occurs with the rise of support surface area and that copper concentration do not cause great changes.