Highly efficient catalysts for hydrogen generation through methanol steam reforming: A critical analysis of modification strategies, deactivation, mechanisms and kinetics

Methanol steam reforming (MSR) is a promising way of producing hydrogen. The catalyst is a key factor in the MSR reaction. This review mainly describes the latest progress in MSR catalysts, including the development of catalysts, reaction mechanisms, and kinetic analysis, to elucidate the design of efficient catalyst systems and the basic understanding of methanol conversion at the molecular level. MSR catalysts are mainly divided into three categories: copper-based catalysts, precious metal catalysts, and molybdenum carbide-based catalysts. In each section, strategies for improving catalyst performance are described. The deactivation of catalysts is usually attributed to the formation of coke, sintering or oxidation of active metals, and surface passivation. The reaction mechanism mainly consists of two types: methyl formate intermediates and formaldehyde intermediates. The insights of this review contribute to the further development of efficient catalysts and create value for methanol as a hydrogen carrier for fuel cell applications.