Impregnated layer combustion synthesis method for preparation of multicomponent catalysts for the production of hydrogen from oxidative reforming of methanol Original Research Article

Multi-component catalysts containing copper, zinc, zirconium, and palladium were prepared by a combustion synthesis method referred as impregnated layer combustion synthesis (ILCS). These catalysts were active and selective for the production of hydrogen by the oxidative reforming of methanol. ILCS involves impregnation of a reactive solution containing nitrated of the catalytic components and glycine which is impregnated into a cellulose substrate. The exothermic combustion of the mixture to form oxides led to the formation of a self-propagating combustion and its temperature––time evolution was followed by infrared thermography. The activity and selectivity of these catalysts for hydrogen production was measured and correlated with their composition and synthesis mode used. It is shown that synthesis procedures and the presence of a ZrO2 support have a significant effect on Pd dispersion and on the resulting catalytic activity and selectivity. Catalyst with 3%Pd loaded in a second wave impregnation (SWI) method showed exceptional high activity for methanol conversion at low temperatures, whereas the ZrO2 supported catalyst displayed superior selectivity toward hydrogen production over the whole range of the temperatures investigated.