4 Conclusion
In this work, Cu/ZnO nanoparticles were in situ immobilized in
the pores of Ti membrane substrate by flowing synthesis with a Cu/ZnO/Ti
CMNR fabricated. The characterized results of XRD, XPS, TGA, ICP, SEM
and TEM proved the Cu/ZnO nanoparticles were immobilized in the membrane
pores and distributed uniformly along the thickness direction of
membrane. The developed Cu/ZnO/Ti CMNR was used for the methanol
dehydrogenation to anhydrous formaldehyde, and it performed good
stability with higher TOF and yield. The higher conversion
efficiency of methanol and the higher selectivity of formaldehyde can be
achieved by increasing the reaction temperature. The conversion
efficiency of methanol can also be improved by decreasing the gas flux
through the CMNR. Furthermore, the expected high conversion efficiency
of methanol can be achieved if more sheets of CMNRs are set up in
serials. The CMNR for methanol dehydrogenation would be expected
excellent performance over general fixed bed reactor with particulate
catalyst.