Catalytic hydrothermal generation of hydrogen from aqueous biomass streams: Integration with a crude oil refiner
Hydrogen is an energy carrier on which future energy applications of mobile
(e.g. automobiles) or stationary (electricity generators) situations can be met
in the future. This is because hydrogen powered fuel cells are more efficient
than the currently used combustion engines. The advantages for switching to the
hydrogen scenario are many fold.
Fossil fuels used currently caise
environmentally unfriendly emissions such as NOx, SOx (cause of acid rain) and
hydrocarbons (carcinogeneous). A fuel cell using hydrogen for power generation
produces only water as product and is thus environmentally friendly. Further,
fossil fuel resources are supposed to run out in the near fuure and thus two
scenarios can be envisaged in the future energy requirements. These are (i)
more efficient use of energy which can be achieved by hydrogen (made from
fossil fuels) based fuel cells and (ii) production of hydrogen in a sustainable
manner. Production of hydrogen from biomass is a tremendous step in these
directions.
In this project we pan to design catalysts and reactors,
essential technological toll necessary for the efficient production of hydrogen
from biomass based renewable streams. Such an approach is not available at the
moment commercially. Results generated in this project can help in the
realisation of such goals which are mandatory for the future societies.
Project leaders
- Dr. K. Seshan, University of Twente
- Dr. S.R.A. Kersten, University of Twente
- Prof. dr. ir. L. Lefferts, University of Twente
- Ir. G. van Rossum, University of Twente