Catalytic characteristics of a copper-alumina nanocomposite formed by the mechanochemical route

Abstract

Mechanochemical synthesis has been successfully employed to prepare Cu 0-Al2O3 composite powders. The formation of the designed compound is due to the self-propagating reaction of CuO and Al 0 powders by high-energy ball milling using a planetary ball mill (Pulverissette 6, Fritsch GmbH). The products were characterized by means of nitrogen adsorption (BET surface area), X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and temperature-programmed reduction of hydrogen. The catalytic properties of the prepared materials were tested in the methanol steam reforming (SRM) process. The results show that the Cu0-Al2O 3 system is active towards hydrogen in SRM. Hydrogen yields are satisfactory; however, methanol conversion to CO as a by-product is observed. © 2012 The Author(s).