Methanol steam reforming over PdZn/ZnAl2O4/Al2O3 in a catalytic membrane reactor: An experimental and modelling study. (12th March 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Cifuentes, Alejandro; Soler, Lluís; Torres, Ricardo; Llorca, Jordi
• Is Part Of: International journal of hydrogen energy. Volume 47:Number 22(2022)
• Page Start: 11574
• Page End: 11588
• Publication Date: 2022-03-12
• Subjects: Hydrogen -- CFD model -- Methanol steam reforming -- Catalytic membrane reactor -- Palladium-based catalyst -- Pd–Ag membranes; Hydrogen as fuel -- Periodicals; Hydrogène (Combustible) -- Périodiques; Hydrogen as fuel; Periodicals; 665.81
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijhydene.2022.01.186
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0360-3199

Abstract

Abstract: A catalytic membrane reactor equipped with Pd–Ag metallic membranes and loaded with PdZn/ZnAl2 O4 /Al2 O3 catalytic pellets was tested for the methanol steam reforming reaction (S/C = 1) aimed at producing a pure hydrogen stream for PEM fuel cell feeding. The catalyst was prepared in two steps. First, commercial γ-Al2 O3 pellets were impregnated with ZnCl2 and calcined at 700 °C to obtain a ZnAl2 O4 shell, and subsequently impregnated with PdCl2 and reduced at 600 °C to obtain PdZn alloy nanoparticles. The catalyst was tested both in a conventional packed bed reactor and in a catalytic membrane reactor. A 3D CFD non-isothermal model with mass transfer limitations was developed and validated with experimental data. The reactions of methanol steam reforming, reverse water-gas shift and methanation were modeled under different pressure, temperature and feed load values. The model was used to study and simulate the CMR under different operation conditions. Graphical abstract: Image 1 Highlights: PdZn/ZnAl2 O4 /Al2 O3 catalytic pellets designed for the methanol steam reforming. Kinetic analysis in catalytic packed bed reactor and catalytic membrane reactor. 3D CFD non-isothermal model with mass transfer limitations developed and validated. Catalytic membrane reactor simulated under different operation conditions.