Thermally Stable Catalysts for Hydrogen Production in Short Contact Time (SCT) Reactors

75691-A new process is needed to satisfy the growing demand for hydrogen, arising from the emphasis on reducing carbon dioxide emissions and the movement to a hydrogen economy. Catalytic partial oxidation (CPOX) of natural gas using short contact time (SCT) reactors is potentially the most economical way to meet this need. Unfortunately, SCT reactors require extremely high catalyst temperatures, and after a short period these catalysts undergo significant deactivation. This project will develop catalysts that have good performance and high temperature stability in SCT reactors, and measure reaction rates under representative conditions. In Phase I, novel procedures will be used to prepare a matrix of partial oxidation catalysts. These materials will then be tested under SCT conditions to determine their activity, selectivity, and thermal stability for CPOX. Finally, the most active and stable materials will be selected, and their surface kinetics in a stagnation flow reactor will be characterized. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee: As the number of small-scale hydrogen production facilities grows to support the increasing demand for hydrogen, there will be a rising need for catalysts that perform well in SCT reactors. An inexpensive process for synthesis of these catalysts should elicit a strong commercial demand.