Abstract Aqueous-phase Reforming Research Articles

Hydrogen production via aqueous-phase reforming for high-temperature proton exchange membrane fuel cells - a review

Aqueous-phase reforming (APR) can convert methanol and other oxygenated hydrocarbons to hydrogen and carbon dioxide at lower temperatures when compared with the corresponding gas phase process. APR favours the water-gas shift (WGS) reaction and inhibits alkane formation; moreover, it is a simpler and more energy efficient process compared to gas-phase steam reforming. For example, Pt-based catalysts supported on alumina are typically selected for methanol APR, due to their high activity at temperatures of circa 200°C. However, non-noble catalysts such as nickel (Ni) supported on metal-oxides or zeolites are being investigated with promising results in terms of catalytic activity and stability. The development of APR kinetic models and reactor designs is also being addressed to make APR a more attractive process for producing in situ hydrogen.

Aqueous-Phase Reforming of Ethylene Glycol to Hydrogen on Supported Pt Catalysts

Aqueous-phase reforming of 5 wt% ethylene glycol was studied at temperature of 498 K over Pt supported on Al2O3, SiO2, TiO2, CeO2. High selectivity about 90% for generation of hydrogen was observed over the supported Pt catalysts, suggesting that the methanation or the Fischer-Tropsch reactions involving CO/CO2 and H2 does not appear to be important over these catalysts under the present conditions. Compared with Pt/SiO2 and Pt/CeO2, Pt supported on Al2O3 and TiO2 produced measurable amounts of gaseous alkane that may be due to the acidity of the supports. To verify this suppose, the water-gas shift reaction was carried out over the catalysts under the same reaction conditions, and no CH4 was observed over these Pt catalysts. Relatively higher generation rates of hydrogen and carbon dioxide were achieved over Pt/Al2O3 and Pt/SiO2 catalysts.