Low-level CO in hydrogen-rich gas supplied by a methanol processor for PEMFCs

The present study developed a low-CO methanol processor for the online supply of hydrogen to a proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) composed of a steam reformer, a catalytic combustor and a reactor for the removal of CO. Commercial Cu/ZnO/Al2O3- and Pt/Al2O3-based catalysts were used in the methanol steam reforming and the preferential oxidation (PROX) reactor, respectively. The steam reformer was successfully heated with a catalytic combustor at room temperature without any additional electrical power supply. Hydrogen gas was obtained at a flow rate of 43.0 L h−1 using a feed flow rate of 39.5 ml h−1 (S/C=1.1) and an operation temperature of 250 °C, corresponding to a power output of 59 We. The CO concentration could be maintained at 4–5 ppm for stable operation.

► Low-CO methanol processor produces hydrogen on demand to a PEM fuel cell. ► The CO concentration could be maintained at 4–5 ppm for stable operation. ► Hydrogen gas was obtained at a flow rate of 43.0 L h−1, which corresponds to a power output of 59 We.