Electrified Steam Methane Reforming for More Sustainable Hydrogen Production
Methane is the primary feedstock for hydrogen production, accomplished by catalytic steam methane reforming (SMR). The highly endothermic SMR is carried out at 700-800 oC on Ni-based catalyst contained in tubes that are heated by fuel combustion, generating up to 10 kg CO2/kg H2. We are exploring the use of electrical (Joule) heating as an alternative, more sustainable process with electricity generated from renewable sources such as wind or solar. Joule heating of catalysts supported on metallic substrates is shown to enhance the methane conversion rate. Using Ni/ZrO2-coated FeCrAl wire as the model catalyst, high methane conversion is achieved and for a range of conditions exceeds that obtained by conventional heating. The findings suggest an electrocatalytic mechanism is responsible. Reactor modeling is applied to define potential commercial designs.
Dr. Michael P. Harold
Cullen Engineering Professor
William A. Brookshire Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering