Hydrothermal synthesis of high surface area CuCrO2 for H2 production by methanol steam reforming

Abstract

Hydrogen (H₂) is viewed as an alternative source of renewable energy in response to the worldwide energy crisis and climate change. In industry, hydrogen production is mainly achieved through steam reforming of fossil fuels. In this research, hydrothermally-synthesized delafossite CuCrO₂ nanopowder were applied in methanol steam reforming. Reducing the size of the CuCrO₂ nanopowder significantly improved the efficiency of hydrogen production. The prepared CuCrO₂ nanopowder were characterized by X-ray diffraction, Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) analysis, field emission scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. The calculated BET surface area of the hydrothermally synthesized CuCrO₂ nanopowder was 148.44 m² g⁻¹. The CuCrO₂ nanopowder displayed high catalytic activity, and the production rate was 2525 mL STP per min per g-cat at 400 °C and a flow rate of 30 sccm. The high specific area and steam reforming mechanism of the CuCrO₂ nanopowder catalyst could have vital industrial and economic effects.