Hydrogen production from ethanol over Pd-Rh/CeO2 with a metallic membrane reactor

The present paper reports on experimental results of an ethanol reformer equipped with a Pd-based metallic membrane toward the production of pure hydrogen, suited for PEM-fuel cell feeding. The ethanol steam reforming is conducted using a Pd-Rh/CeO2 catalyst over cordierite monoliths, which were implemented in-series into a stainless-steel membrane reactor. Inconel membranes functionalized with Pd-Ag over an adequate support were profited for hydrogen separation from the monoliths outlet. The unit was successfully tested for hydrogen production from ethanol steam reforming, achieving pure-hydrogen flowrates up to 110 mL(N)/min. Reaction yields of 3.1 mol hydrogen generated per mol ethanol in feed and total yields of 1.4 mol H-2 permeated per mol ethanol in feed were measured, with maximum hydrogen recuperation of 70%. We discuss here the influence of the different operation parameters, as temperature, reaction ( retentate) pressure, load and/or composition of the feed on the device performance. Temperatures of ca. 650 degrees C, retentate pressures of 9-11 bar and water contents in feed slightly over-stoichiometric revealed optimal for the unit operation. (c) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.