Characterization and performance of a ZnO–ZnCr2O4/CeO2–ZrO2 monolithic catalyst for methanol auto-thermal reforming process

A series of monolithic catalysts of mixed metal oxides (ZnO– ZnCr 2 O 4 / CeO 2 – ZrO 2 ) for methanol auto-thermal reforming (ATR) has been studied. The CeO 2 – ZrO 2 modified Zn–Cr-oxide catalysts showed high selectivities and stabilities. Characterization by XRD and TPR showed that the Ce/Zr molar ratio was an important factor for the stabilities of the Zn–Cr catalysts due to the redox properties of the CeO 2 – ZrO 2 . The optimal molar ratio of Ce to Zr was 4 1 . The addition of the CeO 2 – ZrO 2 mixed oxides decreased the crystallite size of the Zn–Cr oxide. Operation parameters such as the ratios of oxygen to methanol and water to methanol were studied. The ZnO – ZnCr 2 O 4 / CeO 2 – ZrO 2 catalyst exhibited very good stability during 1000 h test.