415
© Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2021
K. K. Pant et al. (eds.), Catalysis for Clean Energy and Environmental
Sustainability, https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-65021-6_13
Steam Reforming Catalysts for Membrane
Reformer
Rajesh Kumar Upadhyay
Abstract Hydrogen can be used as a clean energy carrier to generate power for
both stationary and mobile applications when integrated with the PEM fuel cell.
However, the high-purity hydrogen requirement of PEM fuel cell and safety hazard
in hydrogen storage and transportation limit the use of the technology. Membrane
reformers have the potential to solve these challenges. Generally, alcohols are used
as a feed to the membrane reformer, considering their safe storage and easy transportation. However, the membrane reformers are still in the development stage and
require numerous systematic studies on different components involved in it to standardize its performance before it can be commercialized. One of the critical components of the membrane reformer is the catalyst used for the steam reforming of
alcohol, which is used as a feed to the reformer. In this chapter, different catalysts
used for steam reforming of methanol, ethanol, and glycerol are discussed. The
advantages and disadvantages of each catalyst concerning their use in membrane
reformer are presented. Finally, a broad summary is given regarding the qualities of
the catalyst, which are needed for successful integration with high hydrogenselective membranes in a single unit called membrane reformer.
Keywords Steam reforming · Membrane reformer · PEMFC · Hydrogen
generation · Dry reforming · Reforming catalysts
1 Introduction
The continuing rise in energy demands directs the current power scenario of the country, with contributions of coal 55%, hydro 20%, renewables 11%, gas 10%, nuclear
3%, and diesel 1% [1]. This 11% renewable has emerged as one of the major advancements in recent years. In order to narrow the gap between demand and supply of
energy, conservation and efficient utilization of resources have been given huge
R. K. Upadhyay (*)
Department of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Indian Institute of Technology (BHU),
Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India
e-mail: rku.che@iitbhu.ac.in
© Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2021
K. K. Pant et al. (eds.), Catalysis for Clean Energy and Environmental
Sustainability, https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-65021-6_13
Steam Reforming Catalysts for Membrane
Reformer
Rajesh Kumar Upadhyay
Abstract Hydrogen can be used as a clean energy carrier to generate power for
both stationary and mobile applications when integrated with the PEM fuel cell.
However, the high-purity hydrogen requirement of PEM fuel cell and safety hazard
in hydrogen storage and transportation limit the use of the technology. Membrane
reformers have the potential to solve these challenges. Generally, alcohols are used
as a feed to the membrane reformer, considering their safe storage and easy transportation. However, the membrane reformers are still in the development stage and
require numerous systematic studies on different components involved in it to standardize its performance before it can be commercialized. One of the critical components of the membrane reformer is the catalyst used for the steam reforming of
alcohol, which is used as a feed to the reformer. In this chapter, different catalysts
used for steam reforming of methanol, ethanol, and glycerol are discussed. The
advantages and disadvantages of each catalyst concerning their use in membrane
reformer are presented. Finally, a broad summary is given regarding the qualities of
the catalyst, which are needed for successful integration with high hydrogenselective membranes in a single unit called membrane reformer.
Keywords Steam reforming · Membrane reformer · PEMFC · Hydrogen
generation · Dry reforming · Reforming catalysts
1 Introduction
The continuing rise in energy demands directs the current power scenario of the country, with contributions of coal 55%, hydro 20%, renewables 11%, gas 10%, nuclear
3%, and diesel 1% [1]. This 11% renewable has emerged as one of the major advancements in recent years. In order to narrow the gap between demand and supply of
energy, conservation and efficient utilization of resources have been given huge
R. K. Upadhyay (*)
Department of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Indian Institute of Technology (BHU),
Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India
e-mail: rku.che@iitbhu.ac.in