Hydrogen production from methanol decomposition over Pt/Al2O3 and ceria promoted Pt/Al2O3 catalysts

We present the activities and selectivities of Pt/Al2O3-based catalysts in the production of hydrogen from methanol through catalytic decomposition. For the decomposition reaction, the Pt and Pd catalysts promoted by ceria exhibit similar activity reaching 100% conversion at similar to315 degreesC. Promoting with ceria had a positive effect on activity and selectivity. Among all catalysts, the 9% Pt-10% CeO2/Al2O3 catalyst demonstrated the best activity. This catalyst compares favorably to a commercial copper-based catalyst. The hydrogen selectivity is exceptionally high at 99+%. In all experiments, we found that methane formation was not a major factor. (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.