Work

Impact of K on the Basicity and Selectivity of Pt/m-ZrO2 Catalysts for Methanol Steam Reforming with co-fed H2

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: This study investigates the effect of potassium (K) promotion on Pt/m-ZrO2 catalysts in methanol steam reforming (MSR), revealing critical insights into reaction pathways and catalyst performance. While increasing K loading reduces catalytic activity, it selectively enhances the hydrogen-producing formate dehydrogenation and de-carboxylation pathway. Structural analyses using HR-TEM and DRIFTS show that higher K concentrations block Pt sites and promote agglomeration, reshaping catalytic behavior. Notably, the 3.1% K-promoted catalyst achieves high stability at 358 °C, with a CO2 selectivity exceeding 80% and minimal methane formation, outperforming the unpromoted catalyst in terms of CO and CH4 selectivity. Temperature studies further demonstrate reduced CO selectivity at higher temperatures, highlighting distinct advantages of K-doped catalysts. These findings underscore the role of K in enhancing surface basicity and its impact on formate interaction, offering valuable insights for optimizing MSR catalysts and advancing hydrogen production technologies.

Source: Catalysts

DOI: 10.3390/catal15050435

Authors: Braedon McFee, Michela Martinelli, Dali Qian, Phoenix Macfarlane, Fernanda Perez Marin, Gary Jacobs

Institutions: The University of Texas at San Antonio, University of Kentucky

Language: English

Topic: Catalysts for Methane Reforming

Subfield: Catalysis

Field: Chemical Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Affordable and clean energy

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,654