Autothermal methanol reforming for hydrogen production in fuel cell applications

Fuel cell powered electric cars using on-board methanol reforming to produc e a hydrogen-rich gas represent a low-emissions alternative to gasoline int ernal combustion engines (ICE). In order to exceed the well-to-wheel effici encies of 17% for the gasoline ICE, high-efficiency fuel cells and methanol reformers must be developed. Catalytic autothermal reforming of methanol o ffers advantages over endothermic steam-reforming and exothermic partial ox idation. Microreactor testing of copper-containing catalysts was carried ou t in the temperature range between 250 and 330 degreesC showing nearly comp lete methanol conversion at 85% hydrogen yield. For the overall process a s implified model of the reaction network, consisting of the total oxidation of methanol, the reverse water-gas shift reaction, and the steam-reforming of methanol, is proposed. Individual kinetic measurements for the latter tw o reactions on a commercial Cu/ZnO/Al2O3 catalyst are presented.