Effects of Copper Content and Y Promoter on MCM-41 in Methanol Steam Reforming

Methanol steam reforming for hydrogen production is a promising hydrogen production technology that can meet the process or operation of hydrogen preparation, storage, transportation, and downstream utilization, contributing to the achievement of carbon neutrality. In this study, copper-based catalysts Cu x /MCM-41/HCOOH (x = 0.10, 0.15, 0.25) and Cu 0.15 X 0.01 /MCM-41/HCOOH (X = Y, Ga, Zr) were prepared by the modified impregnation method using MCM-41 as the carrier. In addition, the catalysts were comprehensively characterized using a variety of test methods, and the effects of copper content and type of additives on catalyst performance were investigated. Among the six catalysts, the Cu 0.15 Y 0.01 /MCM-41/HCOOH catalyst exhibited the lowest reduction temperature for CuO, the most effective dispersion of active metal, and the formation of more Cu 0 /Cu + species, demonstrating outstanding catalytic performance. Specifically, the methanol conversion rate achieved 99.85% with a H 2 selectivity of up to 99.91% and CO selectivity and CO 2 selectivity of 1.55% and 98.45%, respectively, at optimal reaction conditions of 250°C, the S/C molar ratio of 3:2, and the weight hourly space velocity (WHSV) of 0.16 h −1 . Graphical The Cu 0.15 Y 0.01 /MCM-41/HCOOH catalyst was prepared via a modified impregnation method for methanol steam reforming. At a reaction pressure of 1 MPa, a reaction temperature of 250°C, a steam-to-carbon ratio of 1.5, and a weight hourly space velocity of 0.16 h −1 , the catalyst exhibited a methanol conversion of 99.85%, a H 2 selectivity of 99.91%, and a CO selectivity of 1.55%. The catalyst demonstrated good stability, with no significant deactivation observed during the 110-h stability test.