Sol-gel synthesis of nanocrystalline MgO and its application as support in Ni/MgO catalysts for ethanol steam reforming

This work reports the improved catalytic activity of nickel catalysts supported on nanocrystalline magnesium oxide prepared by a sol–gel method, using Pluronic P123 as structure-directing agent for pore formation. The presence also provided reduction crystallite size from 54 to 18 nm, well attainment small metallic particles. In situ X-ray diffraction was used assess structural evolution materials during activation, followed absorption spectroscopy, N2 physisorption isotherms, transmission electron microscopy, and temperature-programmed CO2 desorption. synthesized with surfactant presented heightened in ethanol steam reforming reaction. long-term stability improved, due decrease coke formation, catalyst developing less deactivating coke.