Catalytic Properties of Heusler Alloys for Steam Reforming of Methanol.

Intermetallic compounds have attracted research attention in catalysis because of their unique catalytic properties. Recently, a group of intermetallic compounds, referred to as Heusler alloys (XYZ), has been investigated as new catalysts. In this study, catalytic properties of 14 Heusler alloys with X = Fe, Co, Ni, or Cu; Y = Ti, Mn, or Fe; Z = Al, Si, Ga, Ge, or Sn for the steam reforming of methanol were examined. CoTiAl and NiTiAl alloys exhibited relatively high H production rates because of the formation of fine particles via the selective oxidation of Ti. XMnZ alloys exhibited high CO selectivity because of a water-gas shift reaction catalyzed by using MnO that was formed during the reaction. Crystal phases, surface microstructures, and surface compositions of most alloys were changed because of the reaction, and the formation of fine particles possibly assisted in the observation of catalytic activity. Heusler alloys can be beneficial as catalyst precursors by the selection of appropriate elemental sets depending on target reactions.