Hydrogen Production from Bioethanol: Behavior of a Carbon Oxide Preferential Oxidation Catalyst

Hydrogen is recognized as a promising green energy source, particularly when used to feed a PEMFC (polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell). In this work, it was obtained by bioethanol steam reforming with CO and CO2 as primary sub products. Since cell anode is extremely sensitive to poisoning with CO, WGS (water gas shift) and COPROX (carbon oxide preferential oxidation) reactors are employed for hydrogen purification. Catalysts prepared by our lab were tested at pilot plant scale in both the reformer and COPROX, where different active phase distributions, stoichometric excess of air and reaction temperatures were tested. The use of two different COPROX units with intermediate air injection was also considered. Catalysts prepared showed good stability and performance.