Modeling of methanol decomposition on Pt/CeO sub(2)/ZrO sub(2) catalyst in a packed bed microreactor

Methanol decomposition on Pt/CeO sub(2)/ZrO sub(2) catalyst is studied inside a packed bed microreactor in the temperature range of 300-380 [degrees]C. The microreactor is fabricated using low-temperature co-fired ceramic (LTCC) technology, which is well suited for the production of relatively compl...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of power sources 2014-06, Vol.256, p.80-87
Main Authors: Pohar, Andrej, Belavic, Darko, Dolanc, Gregor, Hocevar, Stanko
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Catalysts
Decomposition
Mathematical models
Methyl alcohol
Microreactors
Platinum
Three dimensional
Zirconium dioxide
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Summary:Methanol decomposition on Pt/CeO sub(2)/ZrO sub(2) catalyst is studied inside a packed bed microreactor in the temperature range of 300-380 [degrees]C. The microreactor is fabricated using low-temperature co-fired ceramic (LTCC) technology, which is well suited for the production of relatively complex three-dimensional structures. It is packed with 2 wt% Pt-CeO sub(2) catalyst, which is deposited onto ZrO sub(2) spherical particles. A 1D mathematical model, which incorporates diffusion, convection and mass transfer through the boundary layer to the catalyst particles, as well as a 3D computational fluid dynamics model, are developed to describe the methanol decomposition process inside the packed bed. The microreactor exhibits reliable operation and no catalyst deactivation was observed during three months of experimentation. A comparison between the 1D mathematical model and the 3D model, considering the full 3D geometry of the microreactor is made and the differences between the models are identified and evaluated.
ISSN:0378-7753
DOI:10.1016/j.jpowsour.2014.01.051