Deactivation of Copper Metal Catalysts for Methanol Decomposition, Methanol Steam Reforming and Methanol Synthesis

Laboratory and industrial results are reviewed to elucidate the general features of the deactivation of supported copper metal catalysts in various reactions involving methanol as reactant or product. Most catalyst types are based on Cu/ZnO formulations that contain stabilisers and promoters such as alumina, alkaline earth oxides and other oxides. These additional materials have several roles, including the inhibition of sintering and absorption of catalyst poisons. All copper catalysts are susceptible to thermal sintering via a surface migration process, and this is markedly accelerated by the presence of even traces of chloride. Care must be taken, therefore, to eliminate halides from copper catalysts during manufacture, and from reactants during use. Operating temperatures must be restricted, usually to below 300°C.In methanol synthesis involving modern promoted Cu/ZnO/Al2 O3 catalysts neither poisoning nor coking is normally a significant source of deactivation; thermal sintering is the main cause of deactivation. In contrast, catalyst poisoning and coking have been observed in methanol decomposition and methanol steam reforming reactions.

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