Maria A. Goula

Bio: Maria A. Goula is an academic researcher from University of Western Macedonia. The author has contributed to research in topics: Catalysis & Steam reforming. The author has an hindex of 25, co-authored 70 publications receiving 2566 citations. Previous affiliations of Maria A. Goula include University of Thessaly & Aristotle University of Thessaloniki.

Hydrogen production by ethanol steam reforming over a commercial Pd/γ-Al2O3 catalyst

Abstract: In the present work the reaction of biomass-derived ethanol steam reforming for hydrogen rich gas streams production, over a commercial alumina supported palladium catalyst was investigated. In particular, the dependence of the catalytic activity and selectivity on reaction temperature, H2O/EtOH molar ratio and contact time was studied. In order to evaluate the catalytic stability long-term experiments were also performed. It was found that hydrogen selectivity was proportional to the H 2O/EtOH molar ratio and ethanol was completely converted even at relatively low temperature values. Hydrogen selectivities up to 95% were obtained at temperature values close to 650 ◦ C. It was also observed that for the examined H2O/EtOH molar ratios, carbon monoxide concentration exhibits for thermodynamic reasons a minimum at a temperature value close to 450 ◦ C. Furthermore, carbon formation was found to be negligible even for H2O/EtOH molar ratio equal to the stoichiometric one. On the contrary, as water to ethanol ratio in the feed stream was decreased below the stoichiometric, carbon rate formation was increased resulting in catalyst deactivation. © 2003 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Current status of hydrogen production techniques by steam reforming of ethanol : A review

Abstract: Hydrogen is considered to be the most viable energy carrier for the future. Producing hydrogen from ethanol steam reforming would not only be environmentally friendly but also would open new opportunities for utilization of renewable resources, which are globally available. This paper reviews the current state of the steam reforming process of ethanol, examines different catalysts, and, finally, makes a comparative analysis. Different catalysts have been used for the steam reforming of ethanol. Depending on the type of catalysts, reaction conditions, and the catalyst preparation method, ethanol conversion and hydrogen production vary greatly. It was observed that Co/ZnO, ZnO, Rh/Al2O3, Rh/CeO2, and Ni/La2O3−Al2O3 performed the best, in regard to the steam reforming of ethanol. Currently, hydrogen production from ethanol steam reforming is still in the research and development stage.

Prospects for Alkaline Anion-Exchange Membranes in Low Temperature Fuel Cells†

Abstract: This article introduces the radical approach of applying alkaline anion-exchange membranes (AAEMs) to meet the current challenges with regards to direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs). A review of the literature is presented with regards to the testing of fuel cells with alkaline membranes (fuelled with hydrogen or methanol) and also to candidate alkaline anion-exchange membranes for such an application. A brief review of the directly related patent literature is also included. Current and future research challenges are identified along with potential strategies to overcome them. Finally, the advantages and challenges with the direct electrochemical oxidation of alternative fuels are discussed, along with how the application of alkaline membranes in such fuel cells may assist in improving performance and fuel efficiency.

A review of catalytic partial oxidation of methane to synthesis gas with emphasis on reaction mechanisms over transition metal catalysts

Abstract: Catalytic partial oxidation of methane has been reviewed with an emphasis on the reaction mechanisms over transition metal catalysts. The thermodynamics and aspects related to heat and mass transport is also evaluated, and an extensive table on research contributions to methane partial oxidation over transition metal catalysts in the literature is provided. Presented are both theoretical and experimental evidence pointing to inherent differences in the reaction mechanism over transition metals. These differences are related to methane dissociation, binding site preferences, the stability of OH surface species, surface residence times of active species and contributions from lattice oxygen atoms and support species. Methane dissociation requires a reduced metal surface, but at elevated temperatures oxides of active species may be reduced by direct interaction with methane or from the reaction with H, H2, C or CO. The comparison of elementary reaction steps on Pt and Rh illustrates that a key factor to produce hydrogen as a primary product is a high activation energy barrier to the formation of OH. Another essential property for the formation of H2 and CO as primary products is a low surface coverage of intermediates, such that the probability of O–H, OH–H and CO–O interactions are reduced. The local concentrations of reactants and products change rapidly through the catalyst bed. This influences the reaction mechanisms, but the product composition is typically close to equilibrated at the bed exit temperature.

Production of Hydrogen from Ethanol: Review of Reaction Mechanism and Catalyst Deactivation

Abstract: Mechanism and Catalyst Deactivation Lisiane V. Mattos,† Gary Jacobs,‡ Burtron H. Davis,‡ and Fab́io B. Noronha* †Departamento de Engenharia Química e de Petroĺeo, Universidade Federal Fluminense (UFF), Rua Passo da Pat́ria, 156-CEP 24210-240, Niteroí, RJ, Brazil ‡Center for Applied Energy Research, The University of Kentucky, 2540 Research Park Drive, Lexington, Kentucky 40511, United States Instituto Nacional de Tecnologia−INT, Av. Venezuela 82, CEP 20081-312, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil