Hydrogen: Trends, production and characterization of the main process worldwide

Direct ethanol fuel cells for transport and stationary applications – A comprehensive review

One of the most attractive routes for the production of hydrogen or syngas for use in fuel cell applications is the reforming and partial oxidation of hydrocarbons. The use of hydrocarbons in high temperature fuel cells is achieved through either external or internal reforming. Reforming and partial oxidation catalysis to convert hydrocarbons to hydrogen rich syngas plays an important role in fuel processing technology. The current research in the area of reforming and partial oxidation of methane, methanol and ethanol includes catalysts for reforming and oxidation, methods of catalyst synthesis, and the effective utilization of fuel for both external and internal reforming processes. In this paper the recent progress in these areas of research is reviewed along with the reforming of liquid hydrocarbons, from this an overview of the current best performing catalysts for the reforming and partial oxidizing of hydrocarbons for hydrogen production is summarized.

Advances in reforming and partial oxidation of hydrocarbons for hydrogen production and fuel cell applications

Monitoring Ni0 and coke evolution during the deactivation of a Ni/La2O3–αAl2O3 catalyst in ethanol steam reforming in a fluidized bed

Despite extensive studies on the steam reforming of model compounds (e.g., ethanol), steam reforming of real bio-oil is a more practical means for H2 production. This review summarizes recent advances made in steam reforming of real bio-oil, with an emphasis on catalyst development for the process. Among the catalysts investigated, Ni is shown to be promising given its high activity for C–C and C–H bond cleavage. It also has the added advantage of a low cost of production. Strategies to improve catalyst performance include the mitigation of carbon deposition, inhibition of methanation, as well as promotion of water gas shift reactions. In addition, a discussion on current understanding of the reaction mechanism and catalyst deactivation is included in this review, with the aim to provide insight into the relationship between catalyst structure and performance that will give direction toward the development of high performance bio-oil steam reforming catalysts.

B. Quintana

Papers

Catalysts for H2 production using the ethanol steam reforming (a review)

Equilibrium composition of ethanol steam reforming reaction to produce H2 applied to Ni, Co and Pt/hydrotalcite–WOx catalysts