Thermodynamic Investigation of Acetic Acid Steam Reforming for Hydrogen Production

The thermodynamics of acetic acid steam reforming (AASR) for hydrogen production were simulated using a Gibbs free energy minimization method to study the influences of pressure, temperature and water to acetic acid molar feed ratios (WAFR) on the AASR. On the basis of the equilibrium calculations, the optimal operating conditions obtained were 700-800 oC, 1bar and WAFR = 6-10. At these conditions, the yield and selectivity of hydrogen were maximized and the formation of methane and coke was almost inhibited. Higher pressures had negative effects on the yields and selectivities of hydrogen and carbon monoxide. With increasing temperature from 300 to 1000 oC, the selectivity for hydrogen and carbon monoxide increased significantly along with a reduction in methane selectivity. Increase in the WAFR led to the increase in hydrogen selectivity and the decrease in carbon monoxide selectivity.