The glycerol steam reforming reaction was studied using Pt-based catalysts in order to
selectively produce hydrogen. The global steam reforming reaction is the combination of
two consecutive steps: i) glycerol decomposition and ii) water gas shift reaction (WGS).
Pt supported over solids with markedly different physicochemical properties (SiO2,
MgO, Al2O3 and TiO2) were prepared and tested in steam reforming reaction of glycerol
(10% wt. aqueous solution) at 573e623 K. Glycerol to gas products conversion of 100% and
hydrogen yield of 78.8% were obtained by using Pt over an inert support (Pt/SiO2 prepared
from chlorine-free solution). Acidic supports favored undesirable reactions conducting to
liquid products and coke precursors. Furthermore, WGS reaction was studied at reaction
conditions compatible with steam reforming over Pt/SiO2, Pt/TiO2 and two catalysts prepared
for that purpose: Pt/CeO2 and Pt/ZrO2. Pt/TiO2 showed the highest CO conversion at
623 K. In order to maximize H2 formation, a double-bed catalytic system (0.5% wt. Pt/
SiO2 þ 0.5% wt. Pt/TiO2) was used achieving a 100% hydrogen yield without deactivation on
stream.