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 o ver various base-metal oxide catalysts. Copper-based catalysts were effecti ve for the steam reforming of methanol. The selectivity and conversion was studied in a flow reactor in the temperature interval 180-320 degreesC. The active materials were impregnated on gamma -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 pla yed an important role in the catalyst's ability to selectively convert meth anol at low temperatures. Catalysts with high copper contents generally gav e higher conversions and selectivities for the steam reforming reaction. Th e use of ternary components generally increased the catalyst selectivity to wards carbon dioxide. Zirconia had a positive influence on the catalytic pe rformance at low temperatures. The possibilities for the use of reforming s ystems with copper-based catalysts in fuel cell applications are promising. (C) 2001 International Association for Hydrogen Energy. Published by Elsev ier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.