Production of Hydrogen in the Decomposition of Ethanol and Methanol over Unsupported Mo2C Catalysts

Mo 2 C prepared by the carburization of MoO 3 with a C 2 H 6 /H 2 mixture is an effective catalyst for the decomposition of both ethanol and methanol. The total decomposition of both compounds was attained at 573−623 K. The selectivity of H 2 production in the decomposition of ethanol was 40−45% even at 723 K. With regard to the formation of H 2, more attractive results were obtained in the case of methanol decomposition when H 2, with a selectivity of 60%, was the major product. An important feature of this catalyst is the high thermal stability at 573−723 K. Adding water to methanol somewhat decreased the content of CO and increased that of H 2 in the products. The highest yield of H 2 production, ∼75%, was reached at 723 K.