7 - Hydrogen production in microreactors

Abstract

Catalytic microreactors constitute a crucial technology for process intensification in the production of hydrogen, particularly for on-site and/or onboard applications intended to feed fuel cells. This chapter describes the main processes and materials involved in the catalytic and photocatalytic generation of hydrogen from a variety of sources using microreactors. Steam reforming; dry reforming; partial oxidation; autothermal reforming; and decomposition of methane, methanol, ethanol, polyalcohols, dimethyl ether, and ammonia to yield hydrogen-rich gas mixtures using microreactors are revised. Also the photogeneration of hydrogen with various microreactor devices is discussed. The small volume of the microchannels and their high surface area-to-volume ratio enhance mass, heat, and photon transfer; enable safe operation; and allow developing compact and robust fuel processors.