Application of metal-BDC-derived catalyst on cordierite honeycomb ceramic support in a microreactor for hydrogen production

Abstract

Three metal-organic frameworks including Ce-BDC, In-BDC and In/Ce-BDC and corresponding derived CuO/ZnO/In2O3/CeO2 catalysts were prepared. The catalyst-loaded cordierite honeycomb ceramic supports were applied in a microreactor for hydrogen production via methanol steam reforming. The In/Ce-BDC-derived catalyst exhibited a methanol conversion rate of 100%, a hydrogen yield of 0.336 mol/h and an energy efficiency of 54% at 300 °C and an inlet methanol flow rate of 0.112 mol/h. Moreover, CO with content lower than 1.5% and catalytic stability of 30 h was recorded. The high specific surface area and superior redox property of the In/Ce-BDC-derived catalyst were characterized. The increased contents of oxygen vacancies and surface oxygen, in collaboration with the improved solid solubility of CuO and ZnO, were associated with the charge exchange induced by the strong interaction between In2O3 and CeO2, leading to the excellent catalytic performance of the In/Ce-BDC-derived catalyst.