Ethanol reforming in thermally coupled, fluidized-bed, bubble column, and membrane reactors

Ethanol reforming is considered as a very interesting process for hydrogen production, particularly because ethanol is a renewable feedstock while it also has a high hydrogen content. Via ethanol reforming, potentially high hydrogen yields could be achieved with complete ethanol conversion at relatively low temperatures. However, at low temperatures the hydrogen yield is decreased as ethanol decomposes mainly to methane. To achieve higher hydrogen contents, either high temperatures are required with consequent low energy efficiency or a smarter reactor and process design are required. This chapter discusses recent advances in ethanol reforming with special attention to the selection of the reactor type.