Sorption enhanced catalytic reforming of methane for pure hydrogen production : experimental and modeling

H2 is well perceived as a pollution-free energy carrier for future transportation as well as electricity generation. This thesis presents an experimental and modeling study for an improved process of sorption enhanced catalytic reforming of methane using novel catalyst/sorbent materials for low temperature high purity H2 with in situ CO2 capture. A highly active Rh/CeaZr1-aO2 catalyst and K2CO3–promoted hydrotalcite and lithium zirconate are utilized as newly developed catalyst/sorbent materials for an efficient H2 production at low temperature (400–500oC) and pressure (1.5–4.5 bar) in a fixed bed reactor. Experimental results showed that direct production of high H2 purity and fuel conversion (>99%) is achieved with low level of carbon oxides impurities