Copper catalysts for the steam reforming of methanol : Analysis of the Preparation Variables

Abstract

Methanol reforming takes place in the presence of copper supported on α-alumina, at atmospheric pressure and temperatures in the range of 280–300°C. In this work the effect of preparation variables, such as impregnation methods and calcination temperature, on the catalyst activity, selectivity and stability were analyzed. The presence of CuAl 2O 4, obtained at calcination temperatures as high as 900°C, favours the catalyst stability. In view of this fact, the active site would probably be one of the positive oxidation states of copper. Catalysts with uniform distribution of the copper throughout the support particles were more stable than those in which the copper was concentrated on the outer portion of the particles.