Thermal catalytic reforming for hydrogen production with zero CO<sub>2</sub> emission.

Peng, Mi; Ge, Yuzhen; Gao, Rui; Yang, Jie; Li, Aowen; Xie, Zhiheng; Yu, Qiaolin; Zhang, Jie et al. · Science · 2025

basic_science · Level V

Where this comes from

Abstract

Carbon-neutral hydrogen production is of key importance for the chemical industry of the future. We demonstrate a new thermal catalytic route for the partial reforming of ethanol into hydrogen and acetic acid with near-zero carbon dioxide emissions. This reaction is enabled by a catalyst containing a high density of atomic Pt<sub>1</sub> and Ir<sub>1</sub> species supported on a reactive alpha-molybdenum carbide substrate, achieving a hydrogen production rate of 331.3 millimoles of hydrogen per gram catalyst per hour and an acetic acid selectivity of 84.5% at 270°C, and is therefore more energy-efficient compared with standard reforming. Techno-economic analysis of partial ethanol reforming demonstrates the potential profitability for operation at an industrial scale, presenting the opportunity to produce hydrogen and acetic acid with a substantially reduced carbon dioxide footprint.