Synthesis and Application of Rubidium and Cerium-Enhanced Nickel Catalysts Based on Activated Carbon in Catalytic Pyrolysis of Vacuum Tower Bottom Residue for Production of Hydrogen-Rich Gas

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Basic Sciences, University of tehran, tehran, Iran.

10.22075/chem.2025.37366.2364

Abstract

In this research, nickel catalysts with cerium and rubidium promoters supported on activated carbon derived from almond shell pyrolysis were synthesized to produce hydrogen from vacuum distillation tower bottom residue of Tehran refinery. The catalysts were comprehensively characterized using multiple analytical techniques including ICP, BET, XRD, SEM, and EDX to determine their physical and chemical properties. These catalysts were subsequently tested in a pyrolysis reactor under variable temperature conditions in the presence of steam to optimize hydrogen production. The analysis revealed the formation of nickel nanoparticles with dimensions ranging from 40-60 nanometers distributed across the activated carbon support material. Experimental results demonstrated that maximum hydrogen production of 50.9% was achieved at an optimal temperature of 725°C. The implementation of nickel catalyst on activated carbon support significantly enhanced hydrogen yield to 54.5%. Furthermore, cerium oxide, through its distinctive oxidation-reduction cycle, actively participated in the activation of water molecules, resulting in an additional increase in hydrogen production to 57.3%. The catalytic pyrolysis of vacuum tower bottom residue using these enhanced nickel-based catalysts represents an effective and sustainable approach for hydrogen generation from heavy petroleum waste products, offering a valuable technological solution for converting refinery residues into clean energy resources.

Keywords

Main Subjects

Files

Share

How to cite

Statistics