The effect of addition of Ca, K and Mn over Ni-based catalyst on steam reforming of toluene as model tar compound

The catalytic activity and carbon deposition for toluene steam reforming were investigated by adding promoters such as K, Ca and Mn on 10 wt% Ni-based catalysts. The toluene steam reforming experiments were carried out at temperature of 800°C under S/C ratio = 3. Catalyst characteristics were evaluated using XRD, BET, TPR and TGA. Ni/dolomite showed the highest hydrogen production and the toluene conversion efficiency to CO and CO₂ among the catalysts. A slight enhancement effect was observed by adding K or Ca. By adding Mn on Ni/dolomite, the better toluene conversion efficiency to CO and CO₂ was obtained than K and Ca and maintained constantly because of the resistance of carbon deposition. Conclusively, the addition of Mn on Ni/dolomite could give the stable catalytic activity for toluene steam reforming by suppressing the carbon deposition.