Catalyst and process development for the H/sub 2/ preparation from future fuel cell feedstocks. Quarterly progress report, April 1-June 30, 1979

Phase I of this contract, which involved preliminary catalyst and process evaluations, has been completed. A decision has been made to pursue the autothermal reforming process during the remainder of this contract as the most likely process for producing hydrogen for fuel cells from No. 2 oil. The basis for this decision is presented in this report. Work on Phase II of this contract, which involves catalyst preparation and development, was started during the quarter. As part of an Engelhard cost contribution, catalyst samples were prepared for potential use in the steam reforming section of the ATR. These catalysts, after steam treatment at high temperatures, are being screened for steam reforming activity using ethane as a model compound. Those samples passing this screening test will be evaluated in an ATR catalyst screening unit which was assembled during the quarter. Preliminary work on supporting studies was started with the use of a thermogravimetric apparatus to measure coke laydown using ethylene as a model compound.