Hydrogen generation by steam reforming of methanol over copper-based catalysts for fuel cell applications

This paper presents an investigation concerning the reforming of methanol over various base-metal oxide catalysts. Copper-based catalysts were effective for the steam reforming of methanol. The selectivity and conversion was studied in a flow reactor in the temperature interval 180–320°C. The active materials were impregnated on γ-alumina pellets using the wet impregnation method. The promoters used in the investigation were chromium (Cr), zinc (Zn) and zirconia (Zr). The copper content and promoter used played an important role in the catalystʹs ability to selectively convert methanol at low temperatures. Catalysts with high copper contents generally gave higher conversions and selectivities for the steam reforming reaction. The use of ternary components generally increased the catalyst selectivity towards carbon dioxide. Zirconia had a positive influence on the catalytic performance at low temperatures. The possibilities for the use of reforming systems with copper-based catalysts in fuel cell applications are promising.