Fuel Cell Grade Hydrogen from Methanol on a Commercial Cu/ZnO/Al sub(2)O sub(3) Catalyst

Data are reported from tests enacted to analyze the methanol decomposition reaction catalyzed by a commercial Cu/ZnO/Al sub(2)O sub(3) catalyst in the presence and absence of water. Findings indicated 100% methanol decomposition for experiments implemented in the absence of water at a temperature of 290 degree C and a space velocity of 2 cm super(3)/h g cat. Under these conditions, the hydrogen yield was found to be 1.9-2.0. The addition of water to the feed boosted the yield of hydrogen and cut the production of dimethyl ether, methyl formate, and methane. Results from XPS analyses of used catalyst samples and time on-stream data suggested that the Cu super(2+) oxidation state of copper tends to promote methanol decomposition.