Low temperature reforming of ethanol to hydrogen and methane over copper-plated nickel sponge:A'dual fuel'approach to fuel cell vehicle powertrains

摘要

Viewed broadly,ethanol would appear to be an appealing fuel for a post-petroleum transportation economy.The carbon atoms in ethanol represent fixed atmospheric CO_2,a product of photosynthesis.Thus,combustion of ethanol does not contribute greenhouse gases to the atmosphere,although some fossil fuels are consumed in ethanol production.There is an abundant supply of ethanol in North America,linked to a rapidly growing infrastructure and worldwide potential for ethanol production from corn,sorghum,sugar cane or sugar beets.Ethanol is a liquid fuel that does not require the investment in onboard storage and production and distribution infrastructure necessary for a hydrogen transportation economy.