Abstract
A macro-meso-porous monolithic Ni-based catalyst was prepared via an impregnation route using polystyrene foam as the template and then used in the steam reforming of ethanol to produce a H 2-rich gas. The Ni/Mg-Al catalyst has a hierarchically macro-meso-porous structure as indicated by photographs and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The surface area of the catalyst was 230 m 2∙g -1 and the Ni dispersion was 5.62%. Compared to the pelletized sample that was prepared without a template, the macro-meso-porous Ni/Mg-Al monolith exhibited superior reactivity in terms of H 2 production and also had lower CH 4 yields at 700ºC and 800ºC. Furthermore, the monolithic catalyst maintained excellent activity and H 2 selectivity after 100-h on-stream at 700 oC, as well as good resistance to coking and metal sintering.