H 2 production from bioalcohols and biomethane steam reforming in membrane reactors

Nowadays, hydrogen has gained a considerable attention as the most viable energy carrier for numerous applications and, particularly, for PEMFCs supplying. In particular, many scientific studies involve in the production of hydrogen in more environmentally friendly processes, based on the exploitation of biosources. Therefore, the hydrogen generation has made attractive the bioalcohols, and among them, ethanol and methanol-as bio-derived and renewable sources-constitute attracting candidates for producing hydrogen through reforming reactions in both conventional and membrane reactors (MRs). This chapter deals with the recent findings on ethanol, methanol, and biogas reforming reactions, paying attention on the utilization and the potentiality of the MRs technology and its advantages over the conventional reactors technology. Furthermore, a short overview from the specialized literature on the most representative scientific findings concerning ethanol, methanol, and biogas reforming processes performed in MRs is also given and discussed.