Cu–ZnO–ZnAl2O4 spinel nanosheet catalyst for stable and efficient hydrogen production from aqueous-phase reforming of methanol

Cu-based catalysts are prone to sintering and deactivation under the high-temperature conditions of methanol aqueous-phase reforming of methanol (APRM). ZnAl 2 O 4 spinel has attracted much attention due to its flexible surface properties and tunable structural composition. Therefore, this study proposes a dual-modification strategy involving the incorporation of ZnO nanosheets and sesbania powder(SP)-derived carbon species on ZnAl 2 O 4 spinel support, thereby promoting the highly dispersed distribution of Cu nanoparticles and preparing a Cu/ZnO–ZnAl 2 O 4 –C catalyst (CZZAC). The H 2 production rate of the CZZAC catalyst is 66.22 μmolH 2 /g cat ./s under 210 °C. Based on the TPSR characterization analysis of the APRM reaction path, the results show that the CZZAC catalyst begins to produce hydrogen at 145 °C and follows the reaction path of the methyl formate intermediate product. This research has prepared a novel spinel nanosheet, demonstrating its effectiveness in preparing highly dispersed Cu catalysts, and providing a practical and economical alternative to noble metal catalysts.