Performance of Pt/CeO2 catalyst for propane oxidative steam reforming

Catalytic autothermal reforming of hydrocarbons to hydrogen rich reformate represents an important step in fuel processor development for fuel cell systems. As a part of a larger research program aimed at developing and testing of such system based on autothermal reforming of light hydrocarbons, like liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), to be integrated with polymer electrolyte fuel cells (PEM), we investigated the C3H8 oxidative steam reforming (OSR) over a Pt/CeO2 catalyst prepared by combustion synthesis technique. The catalytic activity, as a function of O2/C3H8, H2O/C3H8 molar ratios in the feed, reaction temperature and gas hourly space velocity, was evaluated. The experimental tests were used to define the operating parameters that can assure total fuel conversion and high H2 selectivity, basic elements for the realization of a fuel processor.