Sustainable hydrogen production via reforming of bio-oil model compounds using a novel spouted bed reactor

Hydrogen produced from renewable energy sources can present significant environmental benefits as an alternative to fossil fuels or as a means for clean power generation via fuel cells. The aqueous fraction of bio oil can be used as a source for hydrogen production, if reformed in the presence of active catalytic materials. Recently, we introduced the concept of the spouted bed reactor for the particular process. In this paper we continue with the presentation of experimental results employing the novel spouted bed reactor. Aim of the current work is to further investigate the suitability of the reactor in the process. The effect of reaction temperature, steam to carbon ratio in the feed and space velocity was investigated in the presence of a Ni/Olivine catalyst. Runs were conducted with ethylene glycol and acetic acid as representative model compounds of the aqueous phase of bio-oil. Efficient processing of the model compounds was achieved using a specially designed injection nozzle in the entrance of the reactor, in combination with the particular hydrodynamic characteristics of the spouted bed. The organics converted fully towards gases with high selectivity in H2. Additionally, the known problem of coking was notably avoided. The developed Ni/Olivine catalyst appears to be a suitable catalytic material for the process presenting activity in reforming, anti-coking characteristics and high mechanical strength.