ABSTRACTThe goal of this research is to investigate the activities of a non-noble nano-catalyst (Ni/SiO2) using Si-microreactors for steam reforming of methanol to produce hydrogen for fuel cells. The supported catalyst was synthesized by sol-gel method using Ni (II) salts and Si(C2H5O)4 as starting materials. EDX results indicate that the actual loading of Ni (5-6%) is lower than the intended loading of 12 %. The specific surface area of the silica sol-gel encapsulated Ni nano-catalyst is 452 m2/g with an average pore size of ∼ 3 nm. Steam reforming reactions have been carried out in a microreactor with 50 µm channels in the temperature range of 180-240 °C and atmospheric pressure. Results show 53% conversion of methanol with a selectivity of 74 % to hydrogen at 5 l/min and 200 °C. The magnetic properties of the catalysts were performed using a Vibrating Sample Magnetometer (VSM) to study the activity of the catalysts before and after the steam reforming reactions. The VSM results indicate much higher activity in the microreactor compared to macro-reactor and Ni forms non-ferromagnetic species faster in the microreactor.
Steam Reforming of Methanol on Ni/Al2O3 Catalyst in a Pd-membrane Reactor