We developed the first self-heated catalytic membrane made of carbon nanotubes (CNT) and used it for
steam reforming of alcohols. After exploring a variety of Ni catalyst preparation methods, we selected the
most promising route and made Ni@CNT membranes. Then, we used them to produce hydrogen from
methanol, ethanol and iso-propanol whilst current was passed through to deliver thermal energy
required for the catalytic reaction to take place. By employing Joule heating, we were able to reach
temperatures up to about 450 8C and probe the catalytic activity of the system. Despite that such selfheated
metal–CNT hybrid is still in early phase of development, it has already shown promises for
microscale steam reforming and many other chemical transformations that require efficient and uniform
heating conditions.