Enhanced stability of Cu-ZnO-CeO2 catalyst with active carbon coating for methanol steam reforming on cordierite honeycomb ceramics

Methanol steam reforming (MSR) represents a promising technology for hydrogen generation, particularly applicable to polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs), tackling issues related to transportation and storage. However, designing a catalyst which achieves low pressure drop, high activity and stability remains a significant challenge. This study aims to develop a coating to enhance both catalytic activity and stability during MSR. The cordierite honeycomb ceramic was modified with an active carbon coating and subsequently loaded with Cu-ZnO-CeO₂ catalysts. The characteristics of the catalyst particles and coating on the cordierite honeycomb ceramics were analyzed before and after the reaction, and compared to the catalyst loaded in Al₂O₃ coating under similar condition. The results demonstrated that the catalyst loaded on active carbon coating exhibits superior activity and stability. Specifically, the 25 wt% catalyst displayed the highest activity, achieving maximum methanol conversion at 270 °C and maintaining 93 % methanol conversion after 100 h of reaction. The pore structure of the active carbon coating resulted in a particle size of 7 nm before the reaction and 11 nm after the reaction, which inhibited particle agglomeration and improved the stability of the catalyst. This study highlights the potential application of active carbon coating in improving the stability of methanol reforming catalysts for hydrogen production.