We have begun the long transition to a hydrogen economy. Fuel cells, integrated to catalytic hydrogen generators, are now commercialized for residential combined heat and power (Japan and Europe), portable (US) and prime power (India). The market is expected to grow quickly as these technologies mature. The ultimate goal is to produce a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle projected for 2015 and beyond. Washcoating technology, similar to that used successfully for monolith automobile catalytic converters, has now been demonstrated to permit cost effective compact and stable reactors for hydrocarbon reformer systems. We are slowly entering a hydrogen economy where primary, backup, portable and combined heat and power fuel cell systems are being commercialized. The ultimate goal is to produce a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle projected for 2015 and beyond.  We are also addressing renewable sources of energy to replace fossil fuels that will satisfy our energy needs while maintaining the environment. Solar, wind, geothermal and even nuclear energy are high priorities however it is not likely they will be sufficiently mature to meet all of our requirements in a timely manner. The processing of non-edible plants (lignin-cellulose), landfills, and other waste streams are being explored to meet the clean energy challenges of the 21st Century. The common denominator for these technologies will be the use of heterogeneous catalysts.  Just as catalysts assisted in solving the automobile emission problem they will once again be at the forefront in the development of sustainable and environmentally sound energy solutions. This lecture will highlight some of these technologies.

Catalysis for hydrogen production and fuel cell applications

240th National Meeting (2010)

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