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1887
Volume 52, Issue 3
  • ISSN: 0032-1400

Abstract

A novel palladium-based catalyst has been developed for use in a miniature fuel cell power source for portable applications, incorporating a polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cell. Hydrogen, which is the fuel for the cell, is produced in a ceramic microreactor via the catalytic reaction of methanol steam reforming: CHOH + HO → 3H + CO. The need for a new catalyst in this application is driven by the limitations of traditional particulate catalysts based on copper oxide, zinc oxide and alumina (Cu-Zn-Al catalysts), which have low thermal stability and high sensitivity towards air and condensing steam. These features result in a declining activity and mechanical integrity of Cu-Zn-Al catalysts under the frequent start-stop conditions typical of the operational mode of the miniature power source. The new Pd-based catalyst has activity and selectivity similar to those of Cu-Zn-Al catalysts, but is more durable and stable under the duty cycle conditions of a portable power source. In the microreformer, the catalyst is washcoated directly on the walls of the steam reforming section, providing favourable conditions for efficient heat transfer between the heat-generating catalytic combustion section of the microreformer and its heat-consuming steam reforming section.

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/content/journals/10.1595/147106708X324403
2008-07-31
2024-10-14
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  • Article Type: Research Article
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