Preparation and catalytic performance of Cr2O3-ZnO catalyst for methanol steam reforming

The Cr2O3-ZnO catalyst for methanol steam reforming was prepared by the co-precipitation method and characterized by means of X-ray diffraction and N-2 adsorption. The catalytic performance for methanol steam reforming was evaluated using a stainless steel microchannel reactor. The addition of Cr to ZnO resulted in the formation of ZnCr2O4 spinel and promoted the activity and stability of the catalysts, although the BET surface area decreased. However, raising the Cr content also led to an increase in the CO selectivity. The Cr2O3-ZnO catalysts with the Cr content of 5.3%-17.6% calcined at above 500 degrees C exhibited better catalytic performance than that calcined at 400 degrees C