Evaluation of the CuZnO Catalyst in the Water Gas Shift Reaction for Enhanced Hydrogen Production

Kevin Li & Nick DiPreta

Need

Hydrogen Energy Facts• Hydrogen is three times as energy dense as

natural gas but less than double the cost.

• Hydrogen fuel cell emission is pure water

Purpose• The fundamental question of this study was

whether or not temperature and the flow rate, in the water gas shift reaction, through the packed bed reactor would have an effect on the percentage of carbon monoxide converted, and thus the hydrogen produced.

Introduction

Methodology

Gas composition (34% CO 66% H2)

175°C (n=4)

200°C (n=4)

225°C (n=4)

5ccm10ccm15ccm

Water Gas Shift Reaction with

CuZnO catalyst

Gas Analysis

Catalyst Analysis

Experimental Facility

Original Configuration. Taken by authors.

Fixed Configuration. Taken by authors.

Results

Results

1 2 3 40

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

Gas Composition

Temperature

Gas C

om

posit

ion %

Blue- HydrogenRed- Carbon Monox-ideGreen- Carbon Diox-ide

Discussion

Conclusion• Increased hydrogen percentage was result of

increased residence time.• The CuZnO catalyst was most active around 225

(degrees)

Future Work

• Testing catalyst in Fluidized Bed Reactor

• Testing with use of exact biomass gasification output

• Testing Pt/Ce Catalyst

Acknowledgements• Dr. Hazem Tawfik of Farmingdale University,

Institute of Resource and Technology Transfer

• Mr. Peter Guastella of Manhasset High School

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