Methanol steam reforming over NiAl and Ni (M) Al layered double hydroxides (M = Au, Rh, Ir) derived catalysts

This paper deals with an experimental investigation concerning steam reforming of methanol at 280, 340 and 380 degrees C over NiAl and Ni (Au, Rh or Ir) Al layered double hydroxides (LDHs) derived catalysts. Incorporation of noble metal ions into the NiAl-LDH framework was evidenced by XRD, TGA and TEM techniques. High selectivity to H-2 and CO2 with less than 5% (volume) CO and trace CH4 was observed over the NiAl-LDH catalyst. Whereas CO and H-2 are major products at lower temperatures after addition of Au, Rh and Ir to the NiAl-LDH system. They are significantly reduced with the concomitant increase in CH4 and CO2 as the temperature increased.