Abstract: An Rh catalyst supporting on CeO₂-SiC composite has been designed for partial oxidation of ethanol for hydrogen production. X ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy results show that CeO₂ nanoparticles with an average size of 4 nm are well dispersed on SiC surface, which further acts as a support of Rh nanoparticles. The obtained Rh/CeO₂-SiC catalyze efficiently partial oxidation of ethanol. At 700 ^oC, the ethanol conversion is 100%, with a H₂ selectivity of 50%, CO selectivity of 13%. No deactivation is observed within 40 h time on stream. Furthermore, the ethanol conversion and the H₂ selectivity increase with the rising temperature. No noticeable carbon deposition is observed on the catalyst after reaction. The rather low CO selectivity and little carbon deposition may be attributed to the unique property of good heat conductivity of SiC and the carbon elimination ability of CeO₂ with active oxygen species.

Key words: silicon carbide, cerium oxide, rhodium, partial oxidation of ethanol, hydrogen production, anti-carbon deposition