Sustainable cement and clay support in Ni–Cu/Al2O3 catalysts for enhancing hydrogen production from methanol steam reforming

• Published in: International journal of hydrogen energy 2024-02, Vol.54, p.267-283
• Main Authors: Chen, Wei-Hsin, Cheng, Chun-Yin, Chih, Yi-Kai, Chein, Rei-Yu, Ubando, Aristotle T., Tabatabaei, Meisam, Lam, Su Shiung, Lin, Hong-Ping
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Catalyst sustainable cement-clay composite; CO2 absorption; Hydrogen production; Methanol steam reforming (MSR); Ni–Cu/Al2O3; Water gas shift reaction (WGSR)
• ISSN: 0360-3199; 1879-3487
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijhydene.2022.12.015

Sustainable cement-clay composite is used as the support of bimetallic Ni–Cu/Al2O3 catalysts for hydrogen production from methanol steam reforming (MSR) reaction. The results indicate that higher methanol conversion and hydrogen yield can be obtained using composite supported catalysts. The cement-clay composite possesses CO2 absorption capability, which can enhance MSR performance. In the cases of a large proportion of cement, the CO2 concentration in the product is decreased by 1–2% where methanol conversion and hydrogen yield are not reduced. By varying the catalyst compositions such as Ni content, Ni–Cu/Al2O3 loading, and the weight ratio of cement and clay, 100% methanol conversion can be achieved as Ni content and Ni–Cu/Al2O3 loading increase. However, the CO concentration also increases due to the enhanced reverse water gas shift reaction. The results of the prepared 12 cement-clay-supported cases show the best performance with methanol conversion of 100%, hydrogen yield of 2.85 mol·(mol CH3OH)−1, and CO concentration of 5.90%. The scanning electron microscope images indicate no sintering of the spent catalyst, and the thermogravimetric analysis shows low coke formation on the catalyst surface. Overall, cement-clay replacing metal components in catalysts can efficiently reduce costs and intensify hydrogen production. [Display omitted] •This study investigates hydrogen production the methanol steam reforming.•Novel Ni–Cu/Al2O3 catalysts using cement and clay composite as a support are prepared.•Cement-clay composite possesses CO2 absorption capability to enhance H2 production.•The highest CH3OH conversion is 100% and the highest H2 yield is 2.85 (mol·mol CH3OH)−1.•Cement and clay replacing metal components in catalysts can efficiently reduce costs.