Structured, Highly Active Catalyst for Low Temperature Methanol Reforming

Precision Combustion, Inc. (PCI) proposes to develop and demonstrate a structured, highly active, low temperature, methanol steam reforming catalyst for this STTR. The proposed catalyst will significantly reduce thermal signature in soldier-wearable, reformed-methanol fuel cell power generation systems. The key innovations are (i) methanol reforming catalysts with high kinetic rates (i.e., turnover frequency) at temperatures <200░C and high selectivity to H2 (ii) the use of very high geometric and specific surface area catalyst supports that maximize reactant-catalyst interaction and (iii) scalable, lightweight reactor design with high bed utilization (>6,000 hr-1 GHSV), fast startup (<10 sec.) and adaptability to reformed methanol fuel cells. In Phase I, PCI will synthesize and demonstrate supported structured catalyst samples to achieve >99% methanol conversion, <2% CO in reformate under representative methanol steam reforming conditions, at temperatures <200░C.Ā In Phase II, PCI will develop and deliver supported catalyst cartridges to C5ISR. The catalyst will operate at near atmospheric conditions while maintaining full conversion for >1,000 hours. The minimum targeted activity is 135 ?mol H2/g cat-sec at low temperatures.