Catalysts

Development of novel catalytic materials has been the hallmark of Prof. Verykios effort for the last 25 years. The new processes developed opened new avenues for research into such materials for hydrogen production from bio-fuels as well as conventional fuels such as natural gas, LPG etc.

The successful efforts produced a series of proprietary catalysts for the reformation of ethanol and the other fuels in both steam and autothermal reforming mode. These catalysts exhibit improved characteristics with respect to activity, selectivity towards hydrogen, thermal and long term stability. They have been tested at all scales, from the laboratory micro-units to the pilot plant to the demonstration unit proving their efficacy.

Industrial applications require that catalysts be deposited on structural supports able to withstand thermal and mechanical shocks. New methodologies and techniques were developed to deposit the catalysts on monoliths, pellets and ceramic foams able to cover the requirements of most applications. The latest development is the coating of metallic surfaces with catalysts used in HIWAR and in GH₂.

Water-Gas-Shift and CO Methanation Catalysts

In addition to the reforming catalysts, HELBIO is also developing advanced catalysts for the purification of the hydrogen rich reformate stream as to meet the requirements for use in any type fuel cell. Specifically, novel, non-pyrophoric and highly active catalysts were developed for the high–temperature and low–temperature water gas shift (WGS) reactions which offer significant advantages over current catalysts that are pyroforic, require special handling and pre-conditioning before put to use.

For the final CO minimization step, effective and selective catalysts for the conversion of CO to methane are under development.

The whole series of catalysts enable the efficient production of high purity hydrogen that is suitable for use in low- temperature fuel cell applications.