A copper/zinc oxide-based methanol reforming catalyst is added to a matrix containing pulp fibres, ceramics, metals, glass, and polymer fibres. The resulting composite is produced as paper-thin films and sintered. 

In the autothermal reforming of alcohol to produce hydrogen, the new product enabled a 75% reduction in catalyst volume, and a 90% reduction of carbon monoxide concentration compared to commercial pellet catalysts. 

The reaction temperature was also lowered by 60 degC. 

Ongoing research is aimed at the production of hydrogen via a carbon monoxide-free one-step reforming process.