Development of a Novel Reaction System for on-Board Steam Reforming of DME

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Dimethyl ether (DME) is now being paid a keen attention as an ultra-clean fuel. The objective of the present research is to develop a novel reaction system which produces synthesis gas from DME through the steam reforming. The system involves a compact catalyst with high efficiency for syngas production as well as high thermal conductivity, and functions as an on-board reformer for fuel cell vehicles. In this work, therefore, basic research has been performed to develop a tube-wall type reactor. The results are summarized as follows. Noble metal (Pt, Pd, and Rh) catalysts supported on γ -Al_2O_3 gave high performances for DME steam reforming. Reaction conditions were optimized over the catalysts, and combination with a Cu-Zn water gas shift catalyst was also investigated. An excellent result was obtained with Pt/alumina-Cu-Zn system ; almost all the DME was converted at 350℃, giving CO and CO_2 with a ratio of 1/4. Methane formation was very small. Hydrogen formation was also promoted greatly. The production of tube-wall type reactor was tried using these mixed catalysts, and they were applied to the reforming reaction. Further investigations should be required to obtain a higher reforming efficiency.