Resourceful Hydrogen Generation through Methanol Steam Reforming Using Rare-Earth Metal Oxide-Modified Delafossite 3D Hollow Spheres

The world is moving toward the goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, and hydrogen energy is considered an excellent alternative to nonrenewable energy sources. In this regard, developing a catalyst that is both economically valuable and exhibits efficient hydrogen production is a primary task at the current stage. This study utilized a hydrothermal synthesis method to prepare a nanosized 3-dimensional (3D) hollow sphere of CuCrO₂-CeO₂ for use in the Steam Reforming of Methanol (SRM) process. The characteristics and morphology of prepared CuCrO₂-CeO₂ hollow sphere were characterized by using various techniques such as XRD, FESEM, HRTEM, FTIR, Raman, etc. The CuCrO₂-CeO₂ hollow spheres with a 1:2 ratio exhibited the highest hydrogen production efficiency at 550 °C, yielding 6372.73 mL STP min^-1 g cat^-1 per gram of catalyst. Furthermore, the incorporation of CeO₂ not only enhanced the hydrogen production rate of CuCrO₂ but also extended the applicability of CuCrO₂ nanoparticles to a wider temperature range. The unique 3D hollow sphere structure of the catalyst offers numerous advantages such as low cost, multiple catalytic reaction sites, and easy preparation. Therefore, CuCrO₂-CeO₂ hollow spheres hold potential for commercial development.