A fundamental level understanding of the oxidative steam reforming of ethanol (OSRE) reaction: A review

• Published in: International journal of hydrogen energy 2023-04, Vol.48 (29), p.10859-10881
• Main Authors: Rodríguez, César, Moreno, Sonia, Molina, Rafael
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Active phases; Catalysts; H2 selectivity; OSRE; Reforming thermodynamics; Stability
• ISSN: 0360-3199; 1879-3487
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijhydene.2022.12.147

The postulation of hydrogen as an energy carrier for the future and the possibility of obtaining it from a renewable source such as various alcohols, has positioned the oxidative steam reforming of ethanol (OSRE) process as very promising to produce H2 at low temperatures. Motivated by the absence of a study that in a rigorous, articulated and coherent manner establishes the maximum correlation of the results reported in the literature regarding the current knowledge of the OSRE and with the perspective of identifying or proposing the ideal catalyst and reaction conditions, this manuscript addresses, for the first time to our knowledge, several aspects concerning a fundamental level understanding of the OSRE process and focuses on the influence of both the main experimental parameters of the reaction (such as temperature, molar ratios of the feed stream and space velocity), as well as the most noted aspects of the catalyst (structural, basic/acid and Redox properties and metallic phases). Special emphasis is placed on the conditions that lead to obtaining high H2 selectivity at relatively low temperatures and with high catalyst stability. Consequently, the ideal catalyst and conditions for the OSRE are proposed. •Aspects for the fundamental understanding of the OSRE.•Ideal catalyst and conditions for the OSRE for H2 production.•Comparison of catalytic performance in the OSRE for H2 production reported so far.