Catalyst, Reactor, and Purification Technology in Methanol Steam Reforming for Hydrogen Production: A Review

Methanol steam reforming (MSR) represents a highly promising pathway for sustainable hydrogen production due to its favorable hydrogen-to-carbon ratio and relatively low operating temperatures. The performance of the MSR process is strongly dependent on the selection and rational design of catalysts, which govern methanol conversion, hydrogen selectivity, and the suppression of undesired side reactions such as carbon monoxide formation. Moreover, advancements in reactor configuration and thermal management strategies play a vital role in minimizing heat loss and enhancing heat and mass transfer efficiency. Effective carbon monoxide removal technologies are indispensable for obtaining high-purity hydrogen, particularly for applications sensitive to CO contamination. This review systematically summarizes recent progress in catalyst development, reactor design, and gas purification technologies for MSR. In addition, the key technical challenges and potential future directions of the MSR process are critically discussed. The insights provided herein are expected to contribute to the development of more efficient, stable, and scalable MSR-based hydrogen production systems.