Quasicrystal derived catalyst for steam reforming of methanol

Two alloys of composition Al59Cu25.5Fe12.4B3 and Al71Cu9.7Fe8.7Cr10.6 were characterized by X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The latter forms a mixture of imperfect icosahedral phase and cubic phase upon rapid solidification from the liquid state. After heat treatment, this alloy transforms into a decagonal quasicrystalline phase. Both alloys can be used as catalysts precursors and transformed into active metallic phases after alkali leaching with a NaOH solution. These catalysts were used for hydrogen production by steam reforming of methanol between 473 and 773 K. The catalytic activities of these treated alloys were compared to that of a reference Cu/ZnO/Al2O3 catalyst. Quasicrystal derived catalysts showed a high catalytic activity for the production of hydrogen.