Novel Cu and Pd-Cu Catalysts Supported on Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes for Steam Reforming and Decomposition of Methanol

In this study, multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were prepared by chemical vapour deposition (CVD) using acetylene as a carbon source over an iron catalyst. As-prepared MWCNTs were used to support modern mono-copper, palladium, and bimetallic palladium-copper catalysts, and their feasibility for hydrogen production was tested during steam reforming of methanol (SRM) and methanol decomposition (DM). The structural characteristics of the MWCNTs were evaluated using the SEM and XRD methods. The physicochemical properties of the monometallic and bimetallic catalysts were analysed using the TPR and XRD methods. The promotion effect of palladium on methanol conversion rate and H-2 productivity in the case of the copper catalysts was demonstrated. The enhanced activity of the Cu/MWCNTs after palladium promotion was due to the formation of Pd-Cu alloy compound.

Automated summary

In this study, multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were prepared by chemical vapour deposition (CVD) using acetylene as a carbon source over an iron catalyst. The feasibility of MWCNTs supported monometallic and bimetallic catalysts for hydrogen production during steam reforming of methanol (SRM) and methanol decomposition (DM) was investigated. SEM and XRD methods were used to evaluate the structural characteristics of MWCNTs. TPR and XRD methods were used to analyze the physicochemical properties of the catalysts. The promotion effect of palladium on methanol conversion rate and H2 productivity in the case of the copper catalysts was demonstrated, which was attributed to the formation of Pd-Cu alloy compound.