Fe–Ni–Ce–Zr-modified CuO–ZnO catalyst for methanol steam reforming

Four copper-based catalysts were prepared by co-precipitation method. The catalysts were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, N2 adsorption-desorption, temperature programmed reduction process (H2-TPR), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and in-situ diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy (in situ DRIFTS) to explore the effects of different components on catalyst activity. The performance of different catalysts for hydrogen production via methanol steam reforming was evaluated on a fixed-bed reactor. The effects of different components, reaction temperature and gas hourly space velocity (GHSV) on the catalytic performance were investigated. The results exhibited that among the investigated catalysts, 1# and 2# catalysts had the higher catalytic activity and stability. Under the conditions of 280 °C, a molar ratio of methanol to water of 1:1.3, and a GHSV of 13.3 L/(g·h), the methanol conversion rate reached 99.9%, the CO concentration was as low as 0.29%, and the selectivity was only 1.16%. The H2 production flow rate per unit mass of catalyst was 270 mL/(min·g). After 60 h of start-stop experiments, the methanol conversion rate remained above 98.4%, the CO concentration was always lower than 0.5%, and the start-up speed was significantly faster than that of the commercial catalyst M650. This study provided an effective method for the preparation of catalysts for methanol steam reforming. A series of copper-based methanol reforming catalysts with different components were prepared by co-precipitation method on a ZnO–CeO2–ZrO2 support. The catalytic performance was evaluated on a fixed-bed reactor. At the same time, the mechanism of methanol steam reforming was studied using in situ diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy. [Display omitted] •The addition of Fe can improve the structure and reduction performance of CuO–ZnO–CeO2–ZrO2 catalyst.•The introduction of Fe can significantly reduce the CO concentration in the reforming gas, even at high temperatures.•The self-prepared catalyst has good stability, and the start-up speed is significantly faster than that of commercial catalyst.