PTFE-nafion membrane reactor for hydrogen production

This paper presents an experimental and modelling study of the kinetics of hydrogen production through the methanol steam reforming (MSR) process using a membrane reactor with a self-made, porous PTFE-nafion membrane. The operating conditions were optimised through an analysis of the hydrogen recovery and the CO selectivity. The membrane reactor was modelled based on the hydrogen production rate, which was linked (chain) to the changes in the reactant concentrations. The analysis of the reaction kinetics provided an overview of the reaction process and the factors that affect the process. Moreover, the size of the membrane was estimated using the distribution of hydrogen concentrations along the reactor. The separation factors, particularly the separation of hydrogen from CO and CO2, are some of the factors that can influence the performance of a membrane reactor.