Hydrogen production by the catalytic steam reforming of methanol: Part 2: Kinetics of methanol decomposition using girdler G66B catalyst

The rate of catalytic decomposition of methanol in the presence of steam has been studied using a commercial Girdler G66B CuO‐ZnO low temperature shift catalyst from 150 to 250°C at atmospheric pressure. The mole ratio of steam to methanol was varied from 0 to 1.5, and the feed rates covered the range from 300 to 1400 kg s/mol. The data were successfully correlated using a simple reaction network involving CH 3 OH, H 2 O, CO and H 2 . A conventional reversible reaction rate equation was used which included a resistance term for site blockage by a CO surface complex. The methanol decomposition rate constants showed satisfactory Arrhenius behaviour with an activation energy of about 96 kJ/mole.