A520 MOF-derived alumina as unique support for hydrogen production from methanol steam reforming: The critical role of support on performance

Abstract

In the present study, the role of support as a crucial parameter on the performance of the methanol reforming catalysts was investigated. In this work, commercial A520 MOF derived γ-Al2O3 [Al2O3(A)] was applied as a support for Cu and Pd active. Other catalysts over γ-Al2O3 (Merck) [Al2O3(M)] and A520 MOF were also prepared. The fabricated catalysts were identified by techniques such as XRD, BET surface area, EDS mapping, FESEM, and H2-TPR. The performance of catalysts in methanol steam reforming (MSR) process was evaluated in the temperature range of 150–300 °C. The highest methanol conversion (97%) and H2 yield (98%) were attained for Pd/Al2O3(A) among all catalysts. Also, the highest (7.3%) and lowest (2.6%) CO selectivity were obtained for catalysts Cu/Al2O3(M) and Pd/Al2O3(A), respectively. The TGA disclosed almost no coke formation for Pd/Al2O3(A) catalyst after 30 h on stream.