The catalytic steam reforming of phenol for hydrogen production was realized under mild conditions (523－723 K) over a Raney Ni catalyst.The conversion of phenol and selectivity of H2 were highly dependent upon the reaction conditions

such as temperature

liquid hourly space velocity (LHSV)

and phenol concentrations.A higher temperature and lower LHSV could increase the conversions of phenol

but decrease the selectivity of H2.When compared with the aqueous-phase reforming of phenol for hydrogen

however

a higher reaction temperature and the vaporization of the liquid solution are generally required for the steam reforming process

but it shows a significantly higher H2 selectivity (93%－100%) than the aqueous-phase reforming.Additionally

the steam reforming of phenol over the Raney Ni catalyst was carried out under milder conditions than those reported in literatures

meanwhile

the Raney Ni catalyst was quite stable (60 h) for the phenol steam reforming process

and the content of CO in the gas effluent was quite low (molar ratio of CO/CO2 was 0.01—0.2).Therefore

H2 produced can be used as hydrogen source directly.