The feasibility of oxidation pretreated SUS304 alloy tube as a hydrocarbon reforming catalyst was investigated. It was hypothesized that preoxidation resulted in the dispersion of the active component and the formation of mixed metal oxides on the surface of the alloy which consequently rendered the alloy tube catalytically active towards reforming reaction. Oxidation pretreatment was done in O2 at 1000°C for 2 hours followed by a catalytic evaluation at 730°C for 2 hours. Tetradecane was used as a model compound for steam, partial oxidation, and CO2 reforming experiments. According to the collected XRD pattern, α-Fe2O3 and Cr2O3 were formed after oxidation pretreatment. In addition, SEM-EDX analysis showed a very rough surface composed of oxygen, chromium, iron, and nickel. Catalytic evaluation of the sample displayed activity towards partial oxidation and CO2 reforming which led to the conclusion that oxidation pretreated SUS304 alloy tube has a potential as a catalyst for partial oxidation and CO2 reforming of hydrocarbons. However, the varying activity observed suggested that each reforming reaction requires a specific formulation and morphology. 1. Introduction Fossil fuel, the world’s major source of energy, is rapidly depleting as a result of the continuous increase in demand [1] and the decline in oil discoveries [2]. In addition, fossil fuel production and utilization lead to several environmental problems. As an alternative, biomass-derived energy is being developed to lessen greenhouse gas emissions as well as sustain the world’s growing oil demand. Biomass as a fuel source offers the advantages of being CO2 neutral. Furthermore, this alternative energy resource can also provide energy security, especially to non-oil-producing countries. Hydrogen is one of the most attractive energy sources that can be derived from biomass. It is a clean source of energy with water as its sole product upon consumption. The general process in producing hydrogen from biomass involves biomass gasification followed by syngas reforming. In theory, gasification will completely convert biomass to CO and H2. In practice, by-products such as tar, hydrocarbons, char, sulfur-containing compounds, CO2, and H2O are also produced [3]. Hydrocarbon by-products are then subjected to reforming reaction which increases the efficiency of this technology. Tar, mainly composed of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, was reported to be almost eliminated when using Ni-based catalysts during hydrocarbon reforming [4]. However, carbonaceous deposits and sintering of catalyst particles
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