Hydrothermal synthesis of high surface area CuCrO(2) for H(2) production by methanol steam reforming

Hydrogen (H(2)) is viewed as an alternative source of renewable energy in response to the worldwide energy crisis and climate change. In industry, hydrogen production is mainly achieved through steam reforming of fossil fuels. In this research, hydrothermally-synthesized delafossite CuCrO(2) nanopowder were applied in methanol steam reforming. Reducing the size of the CuCrO(2) nanopowder significantly improved the efficiency of hydrogen production. The prepared CuCrO(2) nanopowder were characterized by X-ray diffraction, Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) analysis, field emission scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. The calculated BET surface area of the hydrothermally synthesized CuCrO(2) nanopowder was 148.44 m(2) g(−1). The CuCrO(2) nanopowder displayed high catalytic activity, and the production rate was 2525 mL STP per min per g-cat at 400 °C and a flow rate of 30 sccm. The high specific area and steam reforming mechanism of the CuCrO(2) nanopowder catalyst could have vital industrial and economic effects.