Reforming of Methanol on a K-Promoted Mo2C/Norit Catalyst

Abstract

The effects of a potassium promoter were investigated on the decomposition and reforming of methanol on a Mo2C/C Norit catalyst. Mo2C was prepared by the reaction of highly dispersed K2MoO4 with carbon Norit. The reduction of MoO3 and the formation of Mo2C were followed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. It was found that potassium somewhat hindered the complete transformation of MoO3 into Mo2C. The potassium additive increased the adsorption of methanol on Mo2C and enhanced the production of hydrogen in both the decomposition and the reforming of methanol. This occurred at the expense of CO, and methane also appeared in the products. The selectivity of H2 reached a value of 97−98% at 723 K. Moreover, the amount of H2 formed at 723 K was ∼25% higher than the H2 content of methanol, indicating the involvement of H2O in the reaction. A remarkable feature of the K-promoted Mo2C/C catalyst is its high thermal stability. No decay in the previous values occurred in 47 h.