Characterization and performance of a ZnO–ZnCr2O4/CeO2–ZrO2 monolithic catalyst for methanol auto-thermal reforming process

A series of monolithic catalysts of mixed metal oxides (ZnO–ZnCr2O4/CeO2ZnCr2O4/CeO2–ZrO2ZrO2) for methanol auto-thermal reforming (ATR) has been studied. The CeO2CeO2–ZrO2ZrO2 modified Zn–Cr-oxide catalysts showed high selectivities and stabilities. Characterization by XRD and TPR showed that the Ce/Zr molar ratio was an important factor for the stabilities of the Zn–Cr catalysts due to the redox properties of the CeO2CeO2–ZrO2ZrO2. The optimal molar ratio of Ce to Zr was 41. The addition of the CeO2CeO2–ZrO2ZrO2 mixed oxides decreased the crystallite size of the Zn–Cr oxide. Operation parameters such as the ratios of oxygen to methanol and water to methanol were studied. The ZnOZnO–ZnCr2O4/CeO2ZnCr2O4/CeO2–ZrO2ZrO2 catalyst exhibited very good stability during 1000 h test.