Catalytic method of reducing sulphur content of a petroleum fluid and reforming a hydrocarbon to produce hydrogen

摘要

A catalytic method of reducing the sulphur content of a petroleum fluid and a method of reforming a hydrocarbon to produce hydrogen comprising providing a bed of particulates of catalyst material of formula M(1)xM(2)1-xO2-z where M(1) is a transition or a rare earth metal, M(2) is a rare earth metal. x is 0-0.9 or optionally x is 0.01-0.9, z represents a degree of oxygen deficiency in the catalyst relative to M(1) plus M(2), such as Cu0.4Pr0.05Ce0.55O2, the particulates having a surface area of at least 15 m2/g and passing the petroleum fluid or hydrocarbon through the bed of catalyst material at a temperature of 650{C or below. Also disclosed is a reactor capable of reforming a C6-C20 hydrocarbon or hydrocarbon mixture to form hydrogen gas.