Progress on methanol reforming technologies for highly efficient hydrogen production and applications

With the continuous development of human society, the shortages of fossil resource and environmental pollution are increasingly prominent. Hydrogen is a clean and efficient alternative energy, among various hydrogen production technologies, methanol reforming has been regarded as a promising candidate to produce hydrogen for daily energy supply due to its low cost and safe transportation. In this review, we discuss the sources of methanol and the methods of methanol reforming for hydrogen production. Then, we focus on the catalysts for methanol reforming and their preparation methods. Particular attention is paid to the structural design and manufacturing process to make methanol reforming microreactors. We also summarize recent studies on the practical applications of methanol reforming technologies, as well as the capture and utilization of the generated carbon to reduce its emission. Finally, the prospect challenges of methanol reforming for highly efficient hydrogen production technologies and contribution to the “double carbon” goals and the challenges are discussed. In summary, this review will be conducive to the development of hydrogen-methanol economy for practical and industry applications.