Catalysis steam-hydrocarbon reforming process

Alloy surfaces are of substantial importance in catalysis, such as in the hydrogenation of unsaturated hydrocarbons, Fisher-Tropsch synthesis, steam reforming of methane, and many other processes [41]. In electrocatalysis, they have recently received attention in relation to the development of CO-tolerant fuelcell catalysts [42]. In many of these processes, atomic hydrogen and carbon monoxide are the most important intermediates or poisons therefore, these two adsorbates have received a great deal of attention in theoretical and computational studies. 

As discussed above in the reforming of hydrocarbon fuels, H2 can be produced from alcohol fuels by at least three major catalytic processes, namely steam reforming, partial oxidation and ATR or oxidative steam reforming. The chemistry, thermodynamics, and recent developments in catalysis of methanol and ethanol reforming with steam for H2 production will be discussed in this section. 

In addition to its role as a reactant for CO removal by water-gas shift, steam can contribute to the removal of hydrocarbons via steam reforming. Steam reforming is indeed an industrial process, which is used for the production of hydrogen or syngas (Duprez 1992). Steam effects in three-way catalysis have been reviewed by Barbier and Duprez 1994, accordingly we will focus only on some relevant aspects related to the role of Ce02. 

---