Activity and stability of Au/CeO2-Fe2O3 catalysts for the hydrogen production via oxidative steam reforming of methanol

The catalytic performance of Au/CeO2-Fe2O3 prepared by deposition-precipitation for oxidative steam reforming of methanol was investigated. It was found that the 3 wt% Au/CeO2-Fe2O3 with Ce/(Ce + Fe) = 0.25 calcined at 300 degrees C exhibited the highest methanol conversion and H-2 concentration in the temperature range of 200-400 degrees C. The H-2-TPR, XPS, and XRD studies suggested improvements in metal-metal, metal-support, and support-support interactions. The co-existence of free alpha-Fe2O3 and the Ce1-xFexO2 solid solution phases seemed to be necessary for high activity. Additionally, the Au/CeO2Fe2O3 displayed a long life-time, even in the presence of coke deposition and transformation of the solid solution phase. (C) 2014 The Korean Society of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry. Published by Elsevier B.V.All rights reserved.