Thermodynamic analysis of hydrogen production from methanol-ethanol-glycerol mixture through dry reforming

Abstract

Thermodynamic properties of methanol-ethanol-glycerol dry reforming have been studied with the method of Gibbs free energy minimisation for hydrogen production from methanol-ethanol-glycerol mixture. Equilibrium compositions were determined as a function of CO2/methanol-ethanol-glycerol molar ratios (CMEG) (1 : 6 - 6 : 1) where methanol-ethanol-glycerol is 1 : 1 : 1; reforming temperatures (573 - 1,273 K) at atmospheric pressure (unless stated otherwise). Optimum conditions for hydrogen production are CMEG 1 : 6, temperature 1,273 K, 1 bar pressure. This point is also optimum for the production of synthesis gas. Comparison of the moles of hydrogen produced from methanol-ethanol-glycerol mixture versus ethanol-glycerol mixture was made and exhibit paradoxical effects. Higher pressure and higher CMEG ratio does not encourage hydrogen formation. Under identified optimum conditions, carbon formation can be thermodynamically inhibited. The carbon yield can be reduced through reforming at higher temperatures.