Redox looping-induced hollow La2CuO4-supported exsolved Cu for highly efficient oxidative steam reforming of methanol

Hydrogen production from methanol is a promising pathway for clean energy applications, particularly in hydrogen transportation, storage, and in situ supply. This study investigates the chemical looping oxidative steam reforming of methanol using lanthanum copper oxide as the catalytic oxygen carrier. The results indicate that the redox looping promotes the generation of hollow La 2 CuO 4 supported exsolved Cu. This material exhibits excellent redox properties and satisfactory catalytic activity. Specifically, the sol-gel synthesized lanthanum copper oxide achieves a hydrogen yield of 0.22 mmol min −1 at 240 °C under a steam/methanol mole ratio of 1.2 and a gas hourly space velocity of 4000 h −1 . The catalytic oxygen carrier possesses even promoted catalytic activity and outstanding long-term stability after 60th cycles, attributed to the in situ generation of highly dispersed Cu nanoparticles via redox looping on the lanthanum copper oxide substrate. This research demonstrates the potential of lanthanum copper oxide as a next-generation catalytic oxygen carrier, contributing to the advancement of sustainable hydrogen production technologies.