Ceramic microreactors for on-site hydrogen production

Christian, M. Mitchell, D. P. Kim, P. J.A. Kenis

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

This paper describes the synthesis and characterization of ceramic microreactors composed of inverted beaded silicon carbide (SiC) monoliths with interconnected 0.75-, 2.2-, or 7.2-μm pores as catalyst supports, integrated within high-density alumina reactor housings obtained via an optimized gel-casting procedure. Structural characterization revealed that these tailored macroporous SiC porous monoliths are stable at temperatures up to at least 1200 °C, and have surface areas and porosities as high as 7.4 × 107   m2 / m3 and 74%, respectively. Further characterization of the ceramic microreactors using the decomposition of ammonia with Ru as the catalyst at temperatures between 450 and 1000 °C showed that as much as 54 sccm of hydrogen, or 9.8 × 104   sccm H2 per cm3 of monolith volume, could be obtained from a 36-sccm entering stream of NH3 at >99.9% conversion at temperatures above 700 °C. Moreover, using SiC as a catalyst support appears to increase the catalytic activity of the Ru catalyst, as evidenced by high turnover frequencies.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)235-242
Number of pages8
JournalJournal of Catalysis
Volume241
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Jul 25 2006

Keywords

  • Ammonia decomposition
  • Ceramic microreactor
  • Fuel reforming
  • Hydrogen production
  • Silicon carbide

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Catalysis
  • Process Chemistry and Technology

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