Metal oxide catalysts for DME steam reforming: Ga2O3 and Ga2O3–Al2O3 catalysts

The steam reforming of dimethyl ether (DME) was performed on Ga2O3–Al2O3 mixed oxides prepared by sol–gel method. Ga2O3 significantly affects the catalytic performance with respect to the DME conversion and H2 yield. The catalytic activity increases with the Ga concentration in Ga2O3–Al2O3 mixed oxides. It is very interesting that without the aid of an additional transition metal component, Ga2O3 and Ga2O3 containing Al2O3 mixed oxide system exhibit good activity in the reforming reaction. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report that reveals the reforming ability of Ga2O3 for the production of H2 from DME and/or methanol.