Direct synthesis of CuO–ZnO–CeO2 catalyst on Al2O3/cordierite monolith for methanol steam reforming

Abstract

Methanol steam reforming (MSR) is a promising process for in-situ hydrogen production in vehicles. However, designing monolithic catalysts with high activity and selectivity as well as low pressure drop remains a challenge. In this work, CuO–ZnO–CeO2 catalysts were prepared directly on Al2O3/cordierite monolith through a sol-gel combustion method, and the effects of different combustion temperatures on the physicochemical properties and catalytic performance of the catalysts were investigated. It is demonstrated that the catalyst (CZC-400) prepared by combustion temperature at 400 °C is uniformly distributed on the Al2O3/cordierite monolith with smaller average catalyst particle size (4.2 nm) and higher specific surface area (23.7 m2 g−1). In the MSR, methanol conversion of CZC-400 reaches 100% at 260 °C without by-product CO. Furthermore, no significant change in the catalytic activity is observed during 32 h of the reaction. These results indicate that CZC-400 has the excellent catalytic activity and stability in the MSR.