(476bl) Steam Reforming of Methanol Using Supported Mo2c Catalysts

Two supported molybdenum carbide catalysts, Mo₂C supported on γ-alumina (Mo₂C/γ-Al₂O₃) and zirconia (Mo₂C/ZrO₂), were investigated as an alternative catalyst for steam reforming of methanol. The catalysts were prepared by a temperature-programmed reaction (TPR) method, and it was found that the supported Mo₂C catalysts are superior to an unsupported catalyst, with Mo₂C/ZrO₂ having a higher hydrogen yield than Mo2C/γ-Al₂O₃. It is hypothesized that the zirconia support plays a synergistic role during methanol steam reforming, probably by altering the reaction pathway. The suppression of methanation and the promotion of the water-gas shift (WGS) reaction by the interaction between molybdenum carbide and the zirconia support resulted in the increased hydrogen yield. The optimum operating conditions were observed at a steam-to-carbon ratio of one and 400 ^oC. At these conditions, the reforming activity remained stable for longer than ten hours.