LAUSR

Nanocrystalline Cu–ZnO-based catalysts were successfully synthesized via a homogeneous precipitation method. Four aging times were used to prepare the catalysts (1, 3, 12 and 24 h) to study the influence on their textural, structural and catalytic properties. The samples were characterized by N2 adsorption, powder X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, H2 temperature-programmed desorption and transmission electron microscopy, and the samples were applied to the steam reforming of methanol. The crystallinity and purity of the aurichalcite phase precursor was enhanced after 3 h of aging. Structural changes were observed in the calcined catalysts as the aging time increased. A decreased CuO crystallite size was produced at longer aging times, which enhanced the CuO dispersion and Cu–ZnO interactions. These factors affected the catalytic activity. The catalyst aged for 24 h showed the highest methanol conversion, and a correlation between the structure and activity was verified.