A high-throughput approach was applied to the discovery and the optimization of catalytic materials for reformation of JP-8 military aviation fuel into lighter hydrocarbons. In addition to catalytic cracking challenges to the appropriate products, JP-8 reformation poses additional challenges due to the high fuel sulfur content around 3,000 ppmw. The desired product is similar to liquefied petroleum gas, suitable for fuel cells for portable power applications. Comprehensive high-throughput screening focused on both supported metal and zeolite catalysts. Several hundred samples were synthesized within weeks and tested. Promoted zeolite materials with MFI structure exhibit the best activity. Whereas metal nanoparticles on amorphous oxide support materials did not show significant JP-8 reforming activity below 600�C, MFI zeolites demonstrated higher activity at temperatures between 350-550�C. Initial JP-8 conversion to C2-C4 hydrocarbons of over 20% on a mass basis was observed at 550�C and remained above 10% after 10 hours of time on stream.

High-throughput screening of catalytic materials for JP-8 fuel reformation

243rd National Meeting (2012)

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