Fuel Reforming Catalyst Characterization
EMSL Project ID
2464
Abstract
The objective of the proposed work is to characterize catalyst formulations under development at InnovaTek for reforming hydrocarbon fuels to generate hydrogen for fuel cells. The proprietary catalysts under development at InnovaTek are sulfur-tolerant and will be used for steam reforming of natural gas, gasoline, and diesel fuels. The goal is to develop the most efficient catalyst composition and preparation method that will have the lowest potential manufacturing cost. Several formulations and preparation methods for the catalyst support structure will be examined. Decomposition temperature and BET surface analysis will be performed to select the optimum support composition. Then several catalyst formulations and dispersion methods will be evaluated by measuring activity, selectivity and stability during fuel reforming tests in InnovaTek's facilities. Following testing, the used catalyst will be assessed for coking and sulfur content . The optimum formulation and synthesis method will be selected and fully characterized. This catalyst will then be studied further at InnovaTek's facilities to determine optimum operating conditions and regeneration procedures. Equipment at the EMSL facility is needed for characterization analyses. These include XPS, TEM, TG/DTA and BET surface/pore volume analyses and kinetics of new and used catalysts. This work is part of a Phase I SBIR project from the Defense Department, Army Research Lab, Contract # DAAD17-02-C-0051. InnovaTek also receives funding from DOE's Hydrogen Program for the development of fuel processing technology.
Project Details
Project type
Exploratory Research
Start Date
2002-03-31
End Date
2005-03-03
Status
Closed
Released Data Link
Team
Principal Investigator
Related Publications
Ming, Quentin, Jeffrey Harrison, and Patricia Irving. Development of a Microchannel Fuel Processor for Complex Hydrocarbon Fuels. In: Proceedings of the 2004 Fuel Cell Seminar, San Antonio, November 1-5, 2004.