Catalytic performance enhancement by heat treatment of CuFe2O4 spinel and γ-alumina composite catalysts for steam reforming of dimethyl ether

The influence of heat treatment on catalytic activity and durability for steam reforming of dimethyl ether (DME SR) over the composite catalysts of CuFe2O4 spinel and γ-Al2O3 was investigated. The heat treatment in air after mixing of CuFe2O4 and Al2O3 improved the activity and durability of the composite catalysts for DME SR. The treatment temperature range of 700–800 °C is most effective to enhance the catalytic performance. According to XRD and TPR analyses, the new phase of Cu–Fe–AlO4 was produced by solid-state reaction at the interface between CuFe2O4 and Al2O3 after heat treatment, leading to high catalytic performance. This new active phase also formed over the composites of pre-reduced CuFe2O4 and Al2O3, due to the re-construction of Cu–Fe spinel by the heat treatment.

Graphical abstractThe heat treatment at 700–800 °C after mixing of CuFe2O4 and Al2O3 improved the activity of the composite catalysts for steam reforming of dimethyl ether. The new phase of Cu–Fe–AlO4 was produced by a solid-state reaction, leading to high catalytic performance. This phase was also formed over the pre-reduced composites by heat treatment, due to the re-construction of Cu–Fe spinel.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide