Low temperature hydrogen production by catalytic steam reforming of methane in an electric field

Catalytic steam reforming of methane in an electric field (electroreforming) at low temperatures such as 423 K was investigated. Pt catalysts supported on CeO2, CexZr1−xO2 solid solution and a physical mixture of CeO2 and other insulators (ZrO2, Al2O3 or SiO2) were used for electroreforming. Among these catalysts, Pt catalyst supported on CexZr1−xO2 solid solution showed the highest activity for electroreforming (CH4 conv. = 40.6% at 535.1 K). Results show that the interaction among the electrons, metal loading, and catalyst support was important for high catalytic activity on the electroreforming. Catalytic activity of the electroreforming increased in direct relation to the input current. Characterizations using X-ray diffraction (XRD), temperature programmed reduction with H2 (H2-TPR), and alternate current (AC) impedance measurement show that the catalyst structure is an important factor for activity of electroreforming.

► Hydrogen production by catalytic steam reforming of methane in an electric field. ► Application of the electric field enabled low temperature reaction at 423 K. ► Pt catalyst supported on CexZr1−xO2 showed the highest activity. ► Interaction among the current, loaded metal, and catalyst support was important.