Catalytic activity of Au-Cu/CeO2-ZrO2 catalysts in steam reforming of methanol

Bimetallic Au-Cu/Ce0.75Zr0.25O2 catalysts prepared by deposition–precipitation were tested for steam reforming of methanol (SRM) in the range of 200–500 °C. Many effective parameters—Au/Cu atomic ratio, gas pretreatment, total metal loading, and calcination temperature—were investigated and correlated with catalyst properties. At the Au/Cu ratio of 1/3, the homogeneous Au–Cu alloy was found to be active for SRM, while an inhomogeneous or partially developed alloy formation was found after applying H2 and O2 pretreatments. There were no significant differences in catalytic activity with different total loadings and calcination temperatures; however, the 7 wt% Au-Cu catalyst calcined at 300 °C exhibited complete methanol conversion, 82% H2 selectivity, and 1% CO selectivity at a low temperature of 300 °C. In regards to stability, the bimetallic catalyst displayed a long life, even though coke and metallic copper were formed.

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► The Au-Cu/CeO2-ZrO2 catalysts showed superior SRM activity.
► The highly dispersed CuOx led to an active alloy phase.
► The Au–Cu alloy exhibited superior stability with less influence on coke formation.