Operando XAS/Raman/MS monitoring of ethanol steam reforming reaction-regeneration cycles

The recyclability of a coked ethanol steam reforming catalyst (Co/Al2O3) is studied over several cycles. Oxidative regeneration burns coke, however some of the cobalt is oxidized. H2 produced during reforming promotes self-reactivation, restoring catalyst activity. The regeneration leads to the redispersion of smaller cobalt particles as a result of the Kirkendall effect.