PRODUCTION OF HYDROGEN FROM METHANOL .1. CATALYST CHARACTERIZATION STUDIES

Various Cu-Al catalysts with copper concentration ranging from 0 to 57.3 wt % were prepared by coprecipitation techniques for the production of H-2 from methanol. These catalysts were calcined at various temperatures and then reduced in H-2 at 300 degrees C. The catalysts were characterized thoroughly at appropriate stages of preparation; Results show that the dried catalysts contained crystalline species such as Cu-2(OH)(2)CO3 and Cu(OH)(2) and noncrystalline species such as Al(OH)CO3, Al(OH)(3), and Cu-2(OH)(2)CO3. Their proportions and thermal stability depended on copper concentration. Calcined catalysts contained Cu-2(OH)(2)CO3, CuO Cu2O, and CuAl2O4 reducible species. Their proportions, reducibilities, and extents of reduction with hydrogen depended strongly on copper concentration and calcination temperature. The acid site distribution on calcined catalysts varied drastically with copper concentration and calcination temperature. On the other hand, BET surface area and pore structure depended not only on copper concentration and calcination temperature but also whether the catalyst was reduced or unreduced.