Catalytic steam reforming: Use for on-board hydrogen production from hydrocarbons or alcohols.

To identify the challenges in the development of electrical vehicles, liter ature was rapidly reviewed. Research on hydrogen production processes suita ble for fuel cell applications is a major challenge. Catalytic steam reform ing of hydrocarbons as well as alcohol is a very promising route. The choic e of ethanol and supported rhodium catalysts will be justified in the light of ethanol physico-chemical properties, reaction mechanism, cerium-based o xides characteristics and the specifications imposed by fuel cell applicati ons.