Thermodynamic analysis of steam reforming of ethanol for hydrogen generation

Thermodynamic equilibrium of ethanol steam reforming has been studied by Gibbs free energy minimization method for hydrogen production in the ranges of water‐to‐ethanol ratio from 0 to 20, reaction temperature from 400 to 2000 K, pressure from 1 to 60 atm, argon‐to‐ethanol ratio from 0 to 100. The optimal conditions suitable for the use in molten carbonate fuel cell and solid oxide fuel cell were obtained as follows: 900–1200 K, water‐to‐ethanol ratio of 3:6, and 1 atm. Under the optimal conditions, complete conversion of ethanol, 60.52–83.58% yield of hydrogen and 32.82–79.60% yield of carbon monoxide could be obtained and no coke forms. Higher pressures have a negative effect, but inert gases have a positive effect, on the hydrogen yield. Coke tends to form at lower temperatures and lower water‐to‐ethanol ratios. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.