CO-free fuel processing for fuel cell applications

In view of the stringent CO intolerance of the state-of-the-art proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells, it is desirable to explore CO-free fuel processing alternatives. In recent years, step-wise reforming of hydrocarbons has been proposed for production of CO-free hydrogen for fuel cell applications. The decomposition of hydrocarbons (first step of the step-wise reforming process) has been extensively investigated. Both steam and air have been employed for catalyst regeneration in the second step of the process. Since, PEM is poisoned by very low (ppm) levels of CO, it is essential to eliminate even trace amounts of CO from the reformate stream. Preferential oxidation of CO (PROX) is considered to be a promising method for trace CO clean up. Related studies along with a discussion of catalytic ammonia decomposition (for applications in alkaline fuel cells) will be included in this review. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.