Synthesis, characterization, and methanol steam reforming performance of Cu/perovskite-structured catalysts

In the present work, Cu/perovskite-type structures of the general formula Cu/Ca(Zr_xTi_1-x)O₃ (x = 1, 0.8, 0.6) were synthesized via sol-gel process and afterwards using wetness impregnation method to prepare copper-based catalysts. The physicochemical properties of the prepared catalysts were studied using XRD, SEM, NH₃-TPD, H₂-TPR and TGA analyses. Structural properties of the catalysts were measured through Brunauer-Emmett-Teller analysis (BET). These catalytic systems were also found to be highly active, selective and sustainable. In this regard, methanol conversion, H₂ selectivity and CO selectivity were investigated and monitored by gas chromatography (GC). A high methanol conversion with a good selectivity of H₂, low CO selectivity and low coke formation were achieved in steam reforming of methanol. Importantly, the morphological features of the synthesized Cu/perovskite-type porous structures contribute in improvement of catalytic activity. An obvious outcome of this study is the remarkable activity of prepared Cu/Ca(Zr_0.6Ti_0.4)O₃ catalyst in methanol steam reforming at 300 ^°C due to 98.5% methanol conversion and 85.5% hydrogen selectivity.