Influence of Alumina Addition on Performance of CuO-ZnO-CeO2 Nanocatalyst Used in Steam Reforming of Methanol

The catalytic activity and hydrogen selectivity of synthesized Cu-based catalysts promoted by ZnO, CeO2, and Al2O3 have been investigated for the selective production of hydrogen via Steam Methanol Reforming (SRM). CuO-ZnO-CeO2 and CuO-ZnO-CeO2-Al2O3 nanocatalysts were synthesized via the combustion synthesis method (urea as combustion fuel), studying the effect of alumina addition beside CeO2 on physicochemical properties and catalytic performance. XRD, FESEM, SEM-EDX, BET, FT-IR analysis are used to identify physiochemical characteristics of synthesized samples. CuO, ZnO, CeO2 crystalline structures observed in X-ray patterns. Alumina presence due to low intensity was not seen in XRD patterns but was observed by EDX and FT-IR analysis. FESEM images proved the nanometre scale of particles on the surface and also combustion pores are seen. Catalytic performance study showed that alumina addition beside cerium oxide increased methanol conversion and hydrogen selectivity while decreased selectivity of CO as an undesired product.