Hydrogen production from catalytic supercritical water reforming of glycerol with cobalt-based catalysts

• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijhydene.2013.01.169
• Publication Date: 2013-02-28T20:46:58Z
• Authors: Thirasak Pairojpi...; Eric Croiset; Worapon Kiatkitti...; Kunlanan Kiatkitt...; Amornchai Arpornw...; Suttichai Assabum...
• Keywords: 02 engineering and technology; 0210 nano-technology; 7. Clean energy

Abstract Glycerol reforming under catalytic supercritical water at temperatures in the range of 723–848 K using Co catalyst deposited on various supports including ZrO 2 , yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ), La 2 O 3 , γ-Al 2 O 3 , and α-Al 2 O 3 was investigated. An increase in operating temperature promoted the continued increase in glycerol conversion; however, carbon formation causing system operation failure was observed for γ-Al 2 O 3 and α -Al 2 O 3 at high operating temperatures (i.e. 748–798 K). Co supported on YSZ provided the most efficient performance for hydrogen production. 10 wt.% Co loading on YSZ support was an optimum amount to enhance the reaction. The increase in glycerol conversion and reduction of the amount of liquid products were observed for lower weight hourly space velocity (WHSV), higher operating temperature or higher cobalt loading. On Co/YSZ catalyst, glycerol conversion of 0.94 and hydrogen yield of 3.72 was obtained with WHSV of 6.45 h −1 at 773 K.