Sorption-Reaction System for Reformate Purification

60410 In order to use conventional fuels in fuel cells, the fuel must be converted to a hydrogen-rich reformate. High levels of carbon monoxide in the reformate poison the fuel cell anode catalyst and degrade fuel cell performance. A method is sought by which to reduce the carbon monoxide concentration to less than ten parts per million, while not decreasing the hydrogen content of the reformate. This project will develop a novel absorption and shift reactor that will react CO with H2O to produce CO2 and H2 while absorbing one of the components in a sorbent material. The resultant device will be regenerable, compact, requires little control and raises the hydrogen content of the reformate. High capacity regenerable sorbents were developed in Phase I and integrated with catalytic materials in a small-scale reactor. Continuous CO removal to less than 10 ppm was demonstrated. A 1 kWe system was designed and system specifications and costs were estimated. In Phase II, further development of the advanced materials will be pursued in order to reduce system size and cost. A 1 kWe standalone prototype will be constructed and tested to determine its efficiency and robustness. Long-term operation of a 1 kWe PEM fuel cell operating on the effluent from this prototype will be demonstrated. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee: A reformate purification device with the above characteristics would have wide-ranging applicability to hydrogen fuel processors for stationary and mobile fuel cells. This low-cost device offers the potential for improved fuel cell efficiencies compared to conventional carbon monoxide removal processes