Electrochemically synthesized Cu–Mg mesh catalysts for methanol steam reforming

Methanol steam reforming (MSR) represents a cost-effective method for hydrogen production. Structured catalysts, which exhibit strong resistance to frequent mechanical vibrations and suitability for on-board MSR, are somewhat complicated to fabricate. Herein, we synthesized and investigated copper-magnesium (Cu-Mg) mesh-type structured catalysts by a modified cycling chronopotentiometry method. The Cu-Mg-mesh catalyst was electro-synthesized in a Mg(NO₃)₂ electrolyte and achieved a H₂ yield of 205.82 mmol (g_cat h)^-1 at 250 °C and a WHSV_MeOH of 12 h^-1, whereas the unpromoted Cu-mesh catalyst prepared in a NaNO₃ electrolyte exhibited no catalytic activity under the same reaction conditions. A series of <i>in situ</i> characterization and chemisorption studies show that MgO not only improves the dispersion and stability of Cu nanoparticles, but also strengthens the catalyst surface basicity, promotes the formation of methoxy intermediates and boosts the activity of formate, ultimately leading to superior catalytic performance.