Cu/Zn-based catalysts for H2 production via steam reforming of methanol

The performances of different xCu10Al, xZn10Al (x = 1, 3, and 5), 5%Zn5Cu10Al and 5%Cu5Zn10Al catalysts prepared by impregnation method then pelletised, were investigated in the steam reforming of methanol (SRM) at 350 degrees C under a gas hourly space vilosity of 15,500 h(-1) with steamed water and methanol mixture (H2O/CH3OH = 2). The impregnation of copper over alumina supports shows better results than that of zinc. Concerning copper based catalysts, the gas selectivity was found to be strongly dependent on the reduction state of the copper and its dispersion over the support. The presence of zinc over Alumina seems to favor the reverse water gas shift reaction. Among all the tested series, the 5%Cu5Zn10Al shows the highest performance due to the presence of ZnAl2O4 spinal form that stabilises the Cu+, which is the most active specie in the SRM. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.