Quasicrystalline catalyst for steam-reforming of methanol

Steam reforming of methanol (CH₃OH + H₂O -> 3H₂ + CO₂) has been performed on a number of Al-Cu-based stable quasicrystals and related alloys. Alloys leached in NaOH aqueous solution exhibit the highest activity for steam-reforming of methanol. Among the alloys, AlCuFe quasicrystal, after leaching treatment, reveals excellent activity. The production rate of H₂ reaches 235 l/kgmin at 573K for steam reforming of methanol. The activity is due to Cu nanoparticles at the surfaces of quasicrystalline grains which are generated by leaching treatment. The quasicrystals have two advantages: one is their brittle nature, which allows them to be crushed efficiently; the other is the involvement of Fe, which suppresses the sintering of Cu particles.