Abstract
In the present study, a novel micro-channel methanol reformer with a finger-shaped groove structure was successfully demonstrated to enhance the methanol conversion rate and the hydrogen yield. By introducing a centrifugal technique, a porous and gradient distribution of the catalyst layer thickness can be obtained inside the micro-channels so as to force the methanol steam to react sufficiently with high surface area catalysts. As the ratio of binder to catalysts varied from 60 to 0, the methanol conversion rate, hydrogen selectivity and hydrogen yield of the micro-methanol reformer at 250°C can approach ∼100%, 92% and 1.56×10 -5 mole min -1 , respectively. Moreover, a high performance output can still be obtained even at 200°C, which is superior to our previous studies. © 2012 IEEE.