Stable and selective hydrogen production through steam reforming of dimethyl ether with an Al 2 O 3 and PdZn composite catalyst

Hydrogen production through steam reforming of dimethyl ether was investigated with a simple composite catalyst prepared by physically mixing two active components of Al2O3 and PdZn alloy. A mixture in a weight ratio of 9/1 (Al2O3/PdZn) gave an excellent catalytic performance at 400 °C with a 94% H2 yield at 100% conversion. Hydrolysis of dimethyl ether to methanol occurred on Al2O3, followed by steam reforming of methanol formed on PdZn alloy. The composite catalyst showed good stability and durability and no catalyst deactivation was observed at such a high temperature.