Co-operation Profile

We developed a silicon micro-monolithic reactor with >10E6 straight parallel channels (3.3micrometers diameter, depth/width ratio >60) to conduct ethanol steam reforming for hydrogen production. The reformer can be clearly applied to a wide spectrum of microsystems, ranging from microelectronics to micro-fuel cells technology. Our research group has been working for many years on the catalytic generation of hydrogen and is working closely to biofuel-related industries. By using an innovative coating technique, a thin layer of catalyst was homogeneously deposited on the channel walls. Hydrogen production rates of ca. 20 micro-L/s are achieved at moderate temperatures of 773K, S/C=3 and short contact time of < 5 ms. Superior performances are achieved as a result of the channel dimensions. In fact, tremendous specific inner surfaces of 10E5-10E6 m2/m3 lead to outstanding heat- and mass transfer enhancements when compared to conventional reformers, and even to conventional microreactors. With this novel geometric configuration, the control of the process operating conditions is also further improved.

We are looking for both a) an industrial partner interested in the manufacture of microreformers for energy applications such as fuel cells for electronic devices, or b) a company/research institution to carry out investigations and/or development, preferably in the frame of an EU Project.