NixCuy/Al2O3 based catalysts for hydrogen production

Ni(x wt.%)Cu(y wt.%)/Al2O3 samples were investigated as active and thermally stable catalysts for methanol and ethanol steam reforming. XRD data clearly evidenced the formation of a NiCu alloy under the adopted preparation procedure. The bimetallic systems exhibited improved activity in the methanol steam reforming with respect to the monometallic ones. The introduction of copper in the catalyst formulation showed a positive effect inhibiting the formation of methane, an undesirable by-product. On the other hand, in the ethanol steam reforming, the catalytic performance was less promising. Furthermore, the Ni : Cu ratio did not seem to affect the product distribution. However, enhanced stability was observed in the two subsequent run-up experiments, indicating the positive role played by the bimetallic systems.