High‐performance HTLcs‐derived CuZnAl catalysts for hydrogen production via methanol steam reforming

A series of CuZnAl oxide‐composite catalysts were prepared via decomposition of CuZnAl hydrotalcite‐like compounds (HTLcs). The catalysts derived from CuZnAl HTLcs (Cu: 37%, Zn: 15%, Al: 48% mol; using metal nitrate or acetate precursors) at 600°C provided excellent activity and stability for the methanol steam reforming. CuZnAl HTLcs were almost decomposed completely at 600°C to form highly dispersed CuO with large specific surface area while forming CuAl2O4 spinel that played a key role in separating and stabilizing the nano‐sized Cu and ZnO during the reaction. The CuZnAl catalyst prepared from metal acetates could highly convert H2O/MeOH (1.3/1, mol/mol) mixture into hydrogen with only ∼0.05% CO at 250°C or ∼0.005% at 210°C. It is evidenced that the former afforded stronger Cu‐ZnO interaction, which might be the intrinsic reason for the significant promotion of catalyst selectivity.