Acta Phys. -Chim. Sin. ›› 2025, Vol. 41 ›› Issue (5): 100049.doi: 10.1016/j.actphy.2025.100049

• REVIEW • Previous Articles     Next Articles

Research on Cu-Based and Pt-Based Catalysts for Hydrogen Production through Methanol Steam Reforming

Xue Liu1, Lipeng Wang1, Luling Li2, Kai Wang3, Wenju Liu1, Biao Hu1, Daofan Cao2, Fenghao Jiang1, Junguo Li1, Ke Liu1,4,*()   

  1. 1 Department of Chemistry, College of Science, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, Guangdong Province, China
    2 Shenzhen Gas Group Co Ltd. Shenzhen 518000, Guangdong Province, China
    3 Anyang Institute of Technology, Anyang 455099, Henan Province, China
    4 College of Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, Guangdong Province, China
  • Received:2024-11-18 Revised:2024-12-13 Accepted:2024-12-20 Published:2025-04-18
  • Contact: Email: liuk@sustech.edu.cn; Tel: +86-755-88010097 (Ke Liu)
  • Supported by:
    Shenzhen Science and Technology Program; Shenzhen Science and Technology Innovation Committee(KQTD20180411143418361); Shenzhen Gas & SUSTech Joint Energy Lab; Southern University of Science and Technology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Catalysis(2020B121201002); Key Scientific Research Project of Colleges and Universities in Henan Province(24B530001); National Natural Science Foundation of China(U22B20149)

Abstract:

Methanol steam reforming (MSR) is a critical pathway for on-board hydrogen production from methanol, playing a significant role in clean energy applications. The catalytic performance in MSR reactions directly influences hydrogen yield and byproduct composition, with Cu-based and Pt-based catalysts extensively studied for their high efficiency. The catalytic mechanism primarily involves the cleavage of C―H and O―H bonds in methanol and water molecules. The activity of Cu-based catalysts depends on the ratio and synergistic interaction of Cu0 and Cu+ active sites, while Pt-based catalysts operate through Pt0, Ptδ+ or Pt2+ active sites, in conjunction with oxygen vacancies. However, the electron transfer and interaction mechanisms between active metals and supports remain contentious, impacting the metal oxidation states, adsorption sites, and reaction pathway selectivity. This is particularly evident in the pathways for methanol dehydrogenation and intermediate product formation (e.g., formaldehyde, formic acid, and methyl formate), which lack a unified understanding. This review systematically examines the unitary and synergistic roles of Cu0 and Cu+ sites, explores the direct and synergistic pathways of Pt-based catalysts, and analyzes the effects of additives such as In2O3 on Pt site modulation and oxygen vacancy generation. By integrating catalytic performance evaluations with mechanistic insights, strategies are proposed to enhance catalyst activity and stability. This comprehensive review not only advances the understanding of MSR mechanisms but also provides a theoretical foundation and research direction for the development of high-performance catalysts for on-board hydrogen production.

Key words: Hydrogen production of methanol steam reforming, Cu-based and Pt-Based catalysts, Active sites, Synergies, Reaction pathways