Decomposition and reforming of methanol on Pt metals supported by carbon Norit Original Research Article

The decomposition and the steam reforming of methanol have been investigated on Pt-group metals supported by carbon Norit and multiwall carbon nanotubes. The decomposition of methanol on these catalysts begins around 450 K and, with the exception of less active Pd/Norit, approaches a conversion of 90–100% at 723 K. The products are H2 and CO with a very small amount of methane. The decomposition of methanol follows the first order kinetics. The activation energy of this process on Rh/Norit is 74.5 KJ/mol. The order of the efficiency of the metals based on the turnover frequency is Ru > Rh > Ir≥Pt > Pd. The selectivities of hydrogen above 623 K were 60–95%. This value increased to 97.5–99.5% using CH3OH:H2O (1:1) reacting mixture indicating the involvement of water in the reaction. No deactivation of metal/Norit catalysts was experienced at 723 K in 10 h.