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.