The continuous rise in CO2 emissions from fossil fuel consumption has intensified the search for alternative clean energy sources. Hydrogen produced from renewable sources like ethanol offers a promising alternative to fossil fuels

mitigating CO2 emissions. This study investigates the kinetics of hydrogen production via ethanol steam reforming using a nickel-based catalyst

specifically the Ar-401 catalyst. Characterization techniques

including scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy

transmission electron microscopy

Brunauer–Emmett–Teller method

temperature-programmed reduction

and powder X-ray diffraction

were used to analyze the catalyst properties. Under optimal conditions of 973 K

atmospheric pressure

and a steam-to-ethanol ratio of 9

we achieved 100% ethanol conversion

74.8% hydrogen selectivity

and 85% hydrogen yield. Kinetic experiments were conducted under kinetically controlled conditions

examining the effects of temperature (473–673 K) and weight hourly space velocity ranging from 1 to 15 (g·h/mol). A power law kinetic model was developed

yielding an activation energy of 11.17 kJ/mol and a reaction order of 0.46

with an absolute average deviation of 3.23% between predicted and experimental rates. This study provides key insights into the reaction mechanisms and highlights the effectiveness of the nickel-based catalyst

providing valuable insights for the design of efficient chemical reactors for sustainable hydrogen production.