Co-operation Profile

The catalytic device can be simply heated up to the reaction temperature (320-340ºC) under air, and then the bioalcohol is introduced for the generation of hydrogen. This has a strong potential for fuel cell technology as well as for on-board generation of hydrogen for mobile applications. Our research group has been working for many years on the catalytic generation of hydrogen and is working closely to biofuel-related industries under several projects (ENE2006-06925). Some innovative aspects are: : (i) The temperature of bioalcohol steam reforming to produce hydrogen is much lower (t1/2~310ºC) than that of other catalytic devices; (ii) Hydrogen is produced very fast due to the high permeation of the aerogel. It takes less than 2 min to completely convert ethanol into a H2-rich mixture containing >60% H2; and (iii) There is no need for any pre-treatment prior to operation. This catalytic device can be heated up to the reaction temperature under air. Main Advantages: The catalytic device can be easily operated and do not require special care for shut down cycles, thus allowing interrupted and/or oscillating operation for real practical application. No activation and/or conditioning are required for operation.

We are looking for an industrial partner, in particular a company interested in the manufacture of hydrogen for energy applications such as fuel cells, and/or the development of commercial reformers for hydrogen supply and/or on-board generation of hydrogen for mobile applications such as transportation.