Aqueous-Phase reforming of renewables for hydrogen production

Abstract

The present work studies the feasibility of selective hydrogen production from biomass derived sugar alcohols, through aqueous-phase reforming, in the presence of Pt supported on Al2O3 catalysts. Aqueous-phase reforming (APR) is a catalytic transformation of biomass to produce hydrogen and light hydrocarbons. Carbon dioxide is also produced as a stoichiometric by-product. The reaction occurs under elevated temperature and high pressure to maintain aqueous-phase conditions. However, APR can be considered as an energy-efficient process, due to the fact that all reactants remain in the liquid phase during the reaction saving energy required for vaporization. In order to investigate the main factors that affect conversion and selectivity in APR. Influences of reaction temperature and pressure, flow rates of inert gases, concentration and flow rates of reactants as well as catalysts particle size have been studied. In the present work, aqueous-phase reforming of xylitol, xylose and formic acid was studied in the presence of platinum supported on alumina in a trickle bed reactor. Influence of the reaction conditions on conversion and selectivity was monitored.