Benzene Steam Reforming over the MgAl2O4 Supported Rh and Ir Catalysts: A Combined Experimental and Theoretical Study

Benzene steam reforming  was investigated using a combined experimental and theoretical method. The higher acticity on the supported Rh catalyst is elucidated by the thermodynamic limitation for the first C-C scission of benzene on the Ir catalyst. A general picture of initial benzene decomposition on various sizes of catalysts was provided by DFT calculations.