STEAM REFORMING OF METHANOL OVER PD ZNO - EFFECT OF THE FORMATION OF PDZN ALLOYS UPON THE REACTION/

The catalytic performance of Pd/ZnO for steam reforming of methanol (C H3OH+H2O --> CO2+3H(2)) was greatly improved by previously reducing th e catalysts at higher temperatures. The original catalytic functions o f metallic palladium were greatly modified as a result of the formatio n of PdZn alloys. Over the catalysts containing alloys, formaldehyde s pecies formed in the reaction were suggested to be effectively attacke d by water, being transformed into carbon dioxide and aa hydrogen. By contrast, the formaldehyde species decomposed selectively to carbon mo noxide and hydrogen over catalysts containing metallic palladium.