Hydrocarbon Partial Oxidation for H₂ Gas Production

ABSTRACT: 

Non-catalytic, less expensive hydrogen production methods are sought to support fuel cell technologies and a future hydrogen-based economy. Partial oxidation, steam reforming and auto-thermal reforming in the presence of catalysts are the principle techniques used currently to convert high energy density liquid fuels into hydrogen-rich gases, yet they may not be the most cost effective and efficient hydrogen production methods.  Cool flame partial oxidation is a new, yet unproven, non-catalytic, suggested alternative [Lemke, 2005] that exploits the low-temperature chemistry associated with hydrocarbon oxidation in the regime of its negative temperature coefficient (NTC) to produce partially-oxidized products at relatively low temperatures.  These products are then subsequently reformed into a hydrogen-rich gas mixture for fuel cell systems or directly combusted for generation of heat or power.

Our lab is actively exploring cool flame partial oxidation of high molecular fuels and petroleum distillates in low pressure plug flow and high pressure jet stirred reactor studies to determine the optimal conditions and limiting factors for hydrogen generation.   This work is being done in collaboration with researchers at NASA GRC.

Lemke, B., Roodhouse, C., Glumac, N., Krier, H. (2005) "Hydrogen synthesis via combustion of fuel-rich natural gas/air mixtures at elevated pressure," International Journal of Hydrogen Energy 30 893-902.