Enhanced activity of NiZrBEA catalyst for upgrading of biomass pyrolysis vapors to H2-rich gas

The main objective of these studies was development of competitive catalyst for the upgrading of biomass pyrolysis vapors to H2-rich gas. The performed experiments were devoted to determination of the effect of incorporation of zirconium into the structure of BEA zeolite on the performance of NiBEA in the mentioned process. Moreover, the most important parameters responsible for the increased activity of NiZrBEA catalyst in comparison to nickel supported on parent zeolite have been identified. The activity of synthesized catalysts was tested in two step fixed bed quartz reactor. Firstly, cellulose or pine were heated to the 500 °C in order to decompose lignocellulosic feedstock. Then, formed pyrolysis vapors were directed through catalyst bed (700 °C) where their upgrading took place. The obtained results revealed that an introduction of zirconium in the structure of BEA zeolite allowed for the increase in the efficiency of Ni catalyst in the formation of H2-rich gas. It was related to the increase in pore volume of the synthesized materials, formation of smaller nickel oxide crystallites and creation of the catalysts with moderate acidity.