Continuous caustic aqueous phase electrochemical reforming (CAPER) of ethanol for producing compressed hydrogen

Kee, Benjamin L.; Dewa, Martinus; Akpolat, Osman; Littlewood, Patrick; Seaba, James P.; Ha, Su

doi:10.1016/j.fuproc.2023.107751

Continuous caustic aqueous phase electrochemical reforming (CAPER) of ethanol for producing compressed hydrogen

Journal Article · Wed Apr 12 00:00:00 EDT 2023 · Fuel Processing Technology

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fuproc.2023.107751· OSTI ID:2418557

Kee, Benjamin L. ^[1]; Dewa, Martinus ^[2]; Akpolat, Osman ^[3]; Littlewood, Patrick ^[3]; Seaba, James P. ^[4]; Ha, Su ^[2]

Washington State Univ., Pullman, WA (United States); OSTI
Washington State Univ., Pullman, WA (United States)
Gas Technology Institute, Des Plaines, IL (United States)
Phillips 66 Research Center, Bartlesville, OK (United States)

Caustic Aqueous Phase Electrochemical Reforming (CAPER) of ethanol produces pure compressed H₂ at lower voltages, temperatures, and energy requirements than conventional electrolysis, while capturing carbonaceous products. The CAPER flow reactor consists of stainless steel endplates, stainless steel current collectors, and a Teflon flow field. The electrodes are prepared using commercial palladium nanoparticles on carbon support for the anode and platinum nanoparticles on carbon support for the cathode. The catalyst metal loading was 1 mgcm^–2 on a 10cm² carbon cloth for both electrodes. Our CAPER reactor produces pure H₂ at 80bar and 80°C applying voltages at ≤0.5V. The only gas-phase product detected was H₂ and any carbonaceous products were contained in the liquid phase. The H₂ was produced with 97±4% faradaic efficiency. Further, operating at smaller electrode separation distances (4mm) and 80°C increased the current density. The highest lower heating value efficiency achieved was 28% at a flow rate of 0.05mLmin^–1 and an applied voltage of 0.5V. The compressed H₂ was produced at ≤20 kWh kg^–1, which is much lower than electrolysis systems that require upwards of 50 kWh kg^–1.

View Accepted Manuscript (DOE)

Research Organization:: American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE), New York, NY (United States)

Sponsoring Organization:: USDOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE), Energy Efficiency Office. Advanced Manufacturing Office

Grant/Contract Number:: EE0007888

OSTI ID:: 2418557

Journal Information:: Fuel Processing Technology, Journal Name: Fuel Processing Technology Journal Issue: C Vol. 247; ISSN 0378-3820

Publisher:: ElsevierCopyright Statement

Country of Publication:: United States

Language:: English

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37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
Ethanol electrochemical reforming
Hydrogen compression
Hydrogen production
Process intensification

Continuous caustic aqueous phase electrochemical reforming (CAPER) of ethanol for producing compressed hydrogen

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