Insights into behaviors of functional groups in biomass derived products during aqueous phase reforming over Ni/α-MoO3 catalysts.

Aqueous phase reforming (APR) of biomass-derived products has been widely applied for hydrogen generation, chemicals production, and wastewater treatment. Despite its widespread application, the complexity of the raw materials and reaction mechanisms significantly complicates the APR process, impeding its development. This study investigated the APR performance of biomass-derived products using Ni/α-MoO 3 catalysts toward hydrogen production and pollutant control, conducted at a temperature of 225 °C and a residence time of 30 min, thus comprehensively understanding the effect of different functional groups. The results showed that the amide (R–HCON) exhibited superior hydrogen production potential during APR. In terms of total organic carbon (TOC) removal, ether showed a 98.10% removal efficiency without a catalyst, whereas the presence of catalyst greatly enhanced the TOC removal efficiency of acetaldehyde (-CHO) from 62.26% to 86.68%. The performed APR of biomass-derived products on Ni/α-MoO 3 catalysts primary resulted in the presence of N, N-Dimethylformamide (HCON-(CH 3) 2), and aminobenzene (Ph-NH 2) for Ni leaching with a lower concentration. The carbon deposition on the catalyst primarily resulted from the combined effects of various compounds and the oxygen vacancies within the catalysts. This study aims to provide novel insights into the APR process for both biomass and biomass-derived materials. [Display omitted] • Insight from functional groups to study APR for biomass energy was proposed. • Ni/α-MoO 3 had the higher catalytic reactivity for the APR of amide (-HCON). • Ether and acetaldehyde were significantly removed by the APR over Ni/α-MoO 3. • The reaction-induced strong metal−support interactions inhibited the Ni leaching. • Carbon deposition was affected by the interaction effects of functional groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]