Catalyst development for stable hydrogen generation during steam reforming of renewable and nonrenewable resources

The production of hydrogen from renewable and nonrenewable resources is demonstrated. Catalytic steam reforming, using a rhodium‐containing catalyst, is shown to be effective for the conversion of natural gas and n‐hexadecane (used as a simulant for diesel fuel). Improved conversion efficiencies can be achieved by performing the reaction at higher temperatures and steam to carbon ratios. The presence of sulfur in the fuel is shown to have a significant inhibiting effect on catalyst performance. Steam reforming of biomass‐derived species is less effective when compared with that of simpler compounds such as methane and methanol, because these species decompose to produce tars and chars at temperatures below which steam reforming reactions are effective. Autothermal reforming has been shown to be relatively effective for several biomass‐derived species.