Mechanistic aspects of catalytic steam reforming of biomass-related oxygenates

Catalytic steam reforming of acetic acid, as a model oxygenate derived from biomass, was studied over supported Pt catalysts. It is suggested that both Pt and the support are involved in the activation of acetic acid and water, respectively. This manifests in different intrinsic activity for Pt when anchored on different supports. Accordingly, the reforming proceeds most likely at the boundary between the Pt and the support and the number of Pt sites that are in the close proximity of the support determine hydrogen formation rates.