Supported Cu catalysts with yttria-doped ceria for steam reforming of methanol

The steam reforming of methanol was studied over Cu/Al2O3 catalysts with the addition of yttria-doped ceria (YDC). The YDC-modified catalysts were prepared by impregnating a gamma-Al2O3 support with Y and Ce then with Cu. The addition of YDC drastically enhanced the activity of Cu/Al2O3 in the methanol reforming reaction. The enhanced activity was attributed to the increase of Cu+ species by YDC in the methanol reforming environment. However, the addition of YDC decreased the copper dispersion. The Cu dispersion could be enhanced by adding chromium oxide. The addition of YDC and Cr where Al2O3 was first impregnated with Cr then with YDC showed the most pronounced enhancement of the catalyst activity. At reaction temperatures of 200similar to250degreesC, the CO concentration in the products was smaller than 0.1%.