Catalytic characteristics of spinel CuM₂O₄ (M=Al, Fe, Cr) for the steam reforming of methanol

Spinel oxides of CuAl₂O₄, CuFe₂O₄ and CuCr₂O₄ were prepared by citrate process at 900 ℃, and their catalytic properties for methanol steam reforming was evaluated. In combination with the XRD, H₂-TPR, SEM and BET data, the catalytic characteristics of spinel oxides were also discussed. The results showed that the morphology and size of the three spinel oxides were quite different and catalytic properties varied among the three spinel oxide catalysts. CuAl₂O spinel showed the highest stability and lowest CO selectivity while CuFe₂O₄ indicated the highest CO selectivity and poor stability and CuCr₂O₄ encountered serious coke deposition. It has been shown, according to the long test data and results, that active Cu species were released from copper based spinel during methanol steam reforming, and their catalytic performances were influenced by both Cu sintering and coke deposition.