Aqueous phase reforming of alcohols over a bimetallic Pt-Pd catalyst in the presence of formic acid

Aqueous phase reforming (APR) of four polyols (ethylene glycol, glycerol, erythritol and sorbitol) was studied over a bimetallic Pt/Pd catalyst supported on mesoporous carbon in the temperature range between 200 °C and 225 °C. Addition of formic acid was studied for a potential industrial application, which involves upstream reactive extraction of hemicelluloses. APR of all polyols resulted in high levels of hydrogen production, which could be even improved by a temperature increase and addition of formic acid. Selectivity to alkanes was similar for most of the polyols with methane and ethane being the most prominent product among alkanes. The liquid phase displayed presence of significant amounts of methanol and propane diols. Analysis of the liquid products suggests a strong interrelation between the reaction pathways in APR of tested polyols.