(514f) Hydrogen Production through Diesel Steam Reforming: Process Intensification Using Structured Thermo-Neutral Reforming Catalyst

Hydrogen production is gaining increased importance from the viewpoints of ultimate clean and high caloric energy sources, and especially for the use in fuel cells. Hydrogen demand in the refining sector is also expected to continue its growth driven mainly by stricter fuel specifications. In addition, hydrogen-based fuel cells for automotive and stationary applications are gaining popularity for various reasons including their higher efficiencies and lower emissions. Use of liquid hydrocarbon fuels to generate hydrogen is being considered as an immediate solution for large scale hydrogen production. Diesel steam reforming is known for posing a major challenge due to its high carbon content, aromatics, and sulfur, which play a major role in catalyst deactivation. Similarly, the requirements for on-board hydrogen production demand a robust and highly efficient, compact, and cost effective reaction system for fuel processing. For this purpose, a multi-components thermo-neutral reforming (TNR) catalyst in various sizes and shapes was used to convert diesel into hydrogen rich syngas for fuel cell based power applications. Starting from powder form to pallets, monolith and finally microlith (brand name form PCI, USA) coated TNR catalyst was prepared, characterized and evaluated for syngas production. Monolith or microlith based structured catalysts are expected to withstand the rugged environment in which these fuel processers on-board vehicles are subjected for applications. In this study, a process intensification approach was adopted to achieve complete conversion of diesel to hydrogen rich syngas using microlith based TNR catalyst.