Hydrogen production using electrochemical reforming and electrolyte regeneration

Abstract From the Canadian patent

A process, preferably continuous, for producing hydrogen gas comprising contacting in the liquid phase at least one oxidizable organic substance in the presence of a mixture comprising at least one conductive catalyst and an aqueous alkaline carbonate electrolyte wherein at least one bicarbonate , composition produced by reaction of the electrolyte is regenerated and the at least one oxidizable organic substance comprises a oxygenated hydrocarbon for , example methanol and/or dimethyl ether. In a preferred embodiment the alkaline electrolyte is regenerated using steam. Various advantageous reaction schemes are described, utilizing, e.g. co-current and countercurrent stream flow and …