Catalysts for the Steam Reforming and Electrochemical Oxidation of Methanol

Catalysts used for the steam reforming and electrochemical oxidation of methanol in fuel cells are briefly reviewed. The mechanisms of these processes are discussed. Most of the methanol steam reforming catalysts contain noble metals, copper, or their alloys supported on inorganic materials. The main laws governing the steam reforming process are extended to a wider range of alcohols. The electrochemical oxidation of methanol is catalyzed by noble metals and alloys based on them. The catalyst selectivity and activity is largely determined by the nature of the metallic catalyst. However, an equally important role is played by the supports, a variation of which provides not only an increase in the catalyst activity but also an improvement in the on-stream stability of the catalyst. An important role is played by both the chemical nature and the structure and morphology of the support. Using the example of the two processes, it is shown that the catalytic processes in the studied systems have a bifunctional nature. It is shown that the oxide support plays an important role in the water sorption, which accelerates the occurrence of both the steam reforming and electrocatalytic oxidation of alcohols.