Development of platinum-loaded Y-type zeolite catalysts for high efficiency conversion of biomass-derived carbohydrates to hydrogen.

Production of hydrogen (H2) from biomass and organic wastes is considered an effective approach to mitigating the environmental problems caused by pollutant emissions from fossil fuel combustion and allaying our dependence on the limited oil reserves. However, current technological inefficiencies render such biomass utilization economically unviable. A promising alternative to realizing the goal of hydrogen from renewable sources is to convert biomass-derived carbohydrates to H2. To make the process economically attractive, catalysts with higher performance and low cost need to be developed. This research aims to develop new zeolite-based catalysts for highly efficient liquid phase conversion of carbohydrates to H2. Particulate platinum-loaded Y-type zeolite (Pt/NaY) catalysts have been synthesized, characterized, and evaluated for H2 production from methanol. The catalysts were also tested for liquid phase reforming of ethanol and glucose to hydrogen.