Hydrogen Production by Methanol Steam Reforming Over Pd/ZrO2-TiO2 Catalysts

Pd/ZrO2-TiO2 catalysts were synthesized by sol-gel method and studied on the steam reforming of methanol reaction for hydrogen production. X-ray diffraction patterns of the Pd supported on single oxides showed crystalline structures associated with the zirconia or titania respectively. However, the XRD pattern of the mixed ZrO2-TiO2 oxide showed broad diffraction pattern consistent with an amorphous material. The reducibility of the PdO supported on single and mixed oxides showed a negative peak associated with the desorption of H-2 due to the decomposition of Pd-hydride (PdH); as well as, positive peaks related with the hydrogen consumption on the reduction of the PdO supported. Catalytic activity on the palladium supported on the mixed ZrO2-TiO2 oxide showed higher catalytic activity than the Pd supported on the single TiO2 or ZrO2 oxides. This finding was associated at the higher Pd species present in the Pd/ZrO2-TiO2 than on the Pd/ZrO2 or Pd/TiO2 catalysts how was observed by TPR.