Catalytic hydrogen production from dimethyl ether over CuFe2O4 spinel-based composites: Hydrogen reduction and metal dopant effects

Investigation of hydrogen reduction pretreatment and metal doping to Cu-Fe spinel catalyst coupled with gamma-alumina was performed in dimethyl ether steam reforming for hydrogen production. The high activity and stability of the catalysts were achieved when the catalysts were reduced at or below 350 degrees C due to the stability of obtained Cu and Fe(3)O(4) phases. Reduction at higher temperatures of 450 and 600 degrees C would bring about the decrease in activity and stability because the resultant Fe(3)O(4) Was further reduced to metallic Fe, and sintering of metallic Cu and Fe proceeded. Dopants (Mn, Cr, Co, and Al) could affect the reforming performance in terms of both activity and selectivity to products. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.