A patented Ni-Al Spinel (Al2O3) and Y2O3-stabilized ZrO2 (YSZ) catalyst “NiAl2O4/Al2O3-YSZ” demonstrated high activity and high resistance to coke deposition when used in commercial diesel and biodiesel steam as well as methane dry reforming. In previous publications YSZ role as co-support in the Ni-Al spinel catalyst was investigated, and YSZ surface properties were related to NiAl2O4/Al2O3 morphology. In order to explain the dependence of the catalytic activity on YSZ stability, oxygen pulse chemisorption was performed on YSZ containing different % of yttria. A Chemisorb 2750 with TPx option from Micromeritics, equipped with a thermal conductivity detector (TCD) was used. The pulse chemisorption was performed with a precise amount of YSZ at 700°C, a temperature level used in previous publication of diesel steam reforming test. This chemisorption technique has been shown that there is a direct relation between the yttria content (%) used to stabilize zirconia, and the amount of oxygen adsorbed. It was also demonstrated, through Rietveld refinement, that zirconia penetration in the alumina matrix contributes in stabilizing the gamma phase of the alumina.

Effect of yttria content on YSZ oxygen conductivity and YSZ interaction with alumina as a reforming catalyst co-support

250th National Meeting (2015)

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