Magnetic Inducement Utilization for Dopant Modification in Alumina Support for Ethanol Steam Reforming

Abstract

This study investigates the influence of magnetic inducement during synthesis on the physicochemical properties and catalytic performance of doped Al2 O3 supports for ethanol steam reforming (ESR). Supports modified with zirconium oxide (ZrO2), cerium oxide (CeO2), and Gd2 O3 –CeO2 were synthesized under three magnetic configurations─no magnet, N–N, and N–S─and characterized using XRD, BET, TPD, TGA, and TEM–EDS techniques. The results show that magnetic inducement, particularly in the N–N configuration, significantly improves dopant dispersion and enhances oxygen storage capacity, especially in supports containing paramagnetic Ce3+ and Gd3+. Ni catalysts supported on Gd2 O3 –CeO2 –Al2 O3 (N–N) exhibited the highest H2 production rate (3.23 mol/h·gcat at 600 °C) and the lowest carbon deposition, attributed to improved redox functionality, high surface area, and stable Ni dispersion. In contrast, ZrO2 –Al2 O3 supports, containing diamagnetic Zr4+, were less responsive to magnetic inducement and demonstrated lower catalytic activity. These findings highlight the synergistic role of magnetic field-assisted synthesis and paramagnetic dopants in tuning catalyst supports, offering a promising strategy for enhancing hydrogen production and coke resistance in ESR applications. © 2025 The Authors. Published by American Chemical Society