Possato, Luiz G. [UNESP]Gonçalves, Rosembergue G.L. [UNESP]Santos, Rodrigo M.M. [UNESP]Chaves, Thiago F. [UNESP]Briois, ValériePulcinelli, Sandra H. [UNESP]Martins, Leandro [UNESP]Santilli, Celso V. [UNESP]2021-06-252021-06-252021-03-15Applied Surface Science, v. 542.0169-4332http://hdl.handle.net/11449/208275This work reports the improved catalytic activity of nickel catalysts supported on nanocrystalline magnesium oxide prepared by a sol–gel method, using Pluronic P123 as a structure-directing agent for pore formation. The presence of Pluronic also provided a reduction of the magnesium oxide crystallite size from 54 to 18 nm, as well as the attainment of small supported metallic nickel particles. In situ X-ray diffraction was used to assess the structural evolution of the materials during activation, followed by X-ray absorption spectroscopy, N2 physisorption isotherms, transmission electron microscopy, and temperature-programmed CO2 desorption. The materials synthesized with the surfactant presented heightened activity in the ethanol steam reforming reaction. The long-term stability of the catalysts was improved, due to the decrease the coke formation, with the catalyst prepared using surfactant developing less deactivating coke.engCoke formationEthanol steam reformingMgONickel catalystsSol–gelArtigo10.1016/j.apsusc.2020.1487442-s2.0-8509846130955842986818708650000-0002-8356-8093