Author:Cai Anpan [jp]; Kameoka Satoshi [jp]; Terauchi Masami [jp]

Institute: Japan Science and Technology Agency [Jp]; National Institute of Materials Science

The catalyst used for steam reforming of methanol is a specialized substance that actively promotes the conversion of methanol into more valuable hydrocarbons such as methane, ethane, propane and butane.

The process of its preparation involves the synthesis of nanoparticles with high surface activity, which are then screened on a substrate of a suitable material, for example, aluminum oxide or zeolites.

The final catalyst demonstrates high efficiency and stability, which facilitates the reforming of methanol with steam, providing a high yield of valuable hydrocarbons. Thus, the catalyst and the method for its creation represent an effective and economically feasible solution for the production of hydrocarbons from methanol.                                             

Steam reforming of methanol is a key process for producing syngas, which serves as the basis for the creation of various chemical compounds. The efficiency of the process depends on catalytic systems that activate methanol decomposition and vapor conversion. Nickel, copper or cobalt oxides are often used on an inert base, such as alumina, which provide stability and selectivity at temperatures of 200-400 °C.

The method for producing catalytic materials includes the method of precipitation from solution, hydrothermal synthesis or co-precipitation of components followed by a calcination process. It is important to control the conditions during co-precipitation to achieve a uniform distribution of the active components, which in turn will have a positive effect on the catalytic activity and durability of the materials.