Hydrogen generation from biomass-derived compounds utilizing aqueous-phase reforming

The APR process is a unique method that generates hydrogen from aqueous solutions of these oxygenated compounds in a single step reactor process compared to the three or more reaction steps required for hydrogen generation via conventional processes that utilize non-renewable fossil fuels. Virent is currently developing the APR system for two applications: (1) on-demand hydrogen generation for PEM & SOFC fuel cells used for recharging applications (less than 500 watts) and (2) on-demand generation of hydrogen-rich fuel gas from biomass-derived glycerol and sorbitol to fuel a stationary internal combustion engine driven generator (5 kW).