Abstract
A novel type of simple reactor for hydrogen production from liquid methanol is proposed. The reactor consists of a small porous ceramic block that has a hole penetrating the center around which a platinum catalyst is supported. After impregnated the porous block with a sufficient amount of liquid methanol, the block is intensively heated by a wire coil heater set up in contact with the hole surface. Methanol is catalytically decomposed into hydrogen and carbon monoxide in the dried region of the block that forms in the proximity of the contacting wire, and then flows out into the hole. Liquid methanol is passively replenished from the outer surface of the block due to capillary suction and is preheated during flow toward the hole. The gas production rate increases significantly with the increase in the heating power and the resulting gas temperature.
