Catalytic partial oxidation of isobutanol for the production of hydrogen

Catalytic partial oxidation of isobutanol was investigated at various contact times and equivalence ratios for the purpose of H₂ production. This reaction was studied using a γ-Al₂O₃ coated foam as a catalyst, as well as a similar foam with rhodium (Rh) added. The results show that little H₂ is produced when the Rh is absent, whereas selectivities as high as 62.92% were achieved (80% is the theoretical maximum) with the noble metal present. The alumina catalyst also displays no complete combustion regime for fuel lean combustion; instead, olefins, carbon dioxide (CO₂), and water are the dominant products at all equivalence ratios. Additional results from catalytic partial oxidation of isobutene suggest that isobutene could be an intermediate during catalytic partial oxidation of isobutanol. With approximately 8.25 W of isobutanol, 3.61 W of H₂ can be attained with the Rh catalyst for use in small power devices, such as a proton exchange membrane fuel cell. The corresponding fuel-to-electricity efficiency was about 20.8%.