Product composition as a function of temperature over NiAl-layered double hydroxide derived catalysts in steam reforming of methanol

The catalytic production of hydrogen by steam reforming of methanol has been carried out over a NiAl-layered double hydroxide precursor and its calcined products in the temperature range of 200–400 °C and atmospheric pressure. The reaction starts at approximately 300 °C. H2, CO, CO2 and CH4 are mainly produced. The reformate composition, however, largely depends on the calcination temperature of the precursor, the reaction temperature and the pretreatment temperature of the catalyst in the reactive stream prior to reaction. A desirable reformate mixture with high selectivity to H2 and CO2 was found using the calcined catalysts over the temperature range of 310–340 °C.