Hydrogen Production in Methanol Reforming on Modified Copper–Zinc Catalysts: A Review

A summary is given for studies on methanol reforming yielding hydrogen on structured Cu-ZnO-MxOy/Al2O3/corderite catalysts (M = Ce, La, Ni, and Mg). Modifying additives of ceria, lanthanum and nickel oxides were found to affect the decomposition of methanol, while magnesium oxide and the methanol/water ratio alter the results in the steam and oxy-steam reforming of methanol. The roles of the components of the Cu-ZnO compositions, probable intermediates, and pathways for hydrogen formation were analyzed. Recommendations were formulated for improving methanol reforming catalysts.