Progress in low temperature hydrogen production with simultaneous CO 2 abatement

Abstract

A new process has recently been proposed and investigated for low temperature hydrogen production from hydrocarbons with simultaneous CO 2 abatement. It is based on a concept involving simultaneous hydrogen production and CO 2 removal, which uses a stationary catalyst phase and a continuously moving adsorbent phase for in situ removal of CO 2 and ex situ regeneration of adsorbent. This paper summaries the recent developments in the technology using methane (main composition of natual gas) and glycerol (main by-product of biofuels) as the model feedstocks and microsized hydrotalcite as the CO 2 adsorbent. The paper consists of an overview of the new technology, associated fundamental studies including dynamics of adsorption, hydrodynamics, solid hold-up and heat transfer, and chemical reactions. Challenges for further development of the technology and process optimisation are also briefly discussed.