The generation of hydrogen from a range of hydrocarbon feedstocks not only requires catalysts that are highly active and robust to a range of fuels, but that are also presented to the reactants in such a way so as to maximise their effectiveness in that given application. This is particularly important in small-scale systems designed for distributed and renewable hydrogen generation, where issues of cost and footprint are of paramount importance.

Johnson Matthey is a world leader in several of the key technologies involved in the production of hydrogen. These include catalysts and processes for reforming a wide range of feedstocks, and materials for contaminant removal, hydrogen purification and storage as well as fuel cell components. Johnson Matthey continues to develop these key technologies and is making them available ‘here and now' for incorporation by system developers and integrators.

In this presentation, Johnson Matthey will illustrate its two-pronged approach that addresses the importance of catalyst presentation on fuel processor performance. Pelleted base metal catalysts similar to those used in industrial hydrogen plants can be very effective, particularly in stationary applications where start-up and transient characteristics are well controlled. However catalysts that have been optimised for performance in large fixed beds are less appropriate for the heat management characteristics of many compact reactor designs, and overall system performance can suffer as a result. JM has selected a range of fuel processing catalysts with physical, geometric and performance characteristics ideally suited to compact plant designs. Application guides, providing technical advice on optimising conditions for these materials can also be supplied, helping developers to select the best conditions for their particular application.

JM has also developed a complementary range of precious metal catalysts that are more appropriate for systems working in aggressive environments where poor fuel quality and low steam contents, or oxidative start-up and shut-down strategies might otherwise cause an issue with pyrophoric base metal catalysts. These catalysts are typically coated onto ceramic substrates such as cordierite monoliths, but in this presentation, Johnson Matthey will also demonstrate how they have also been effectively coated onto microchannelled and plate heat-exchangers, allowing for process intensification through compact and effective heat exchange. With a team dedicated to developing advanced coatings technology, JM is able to work with customers to meet their specific requirements, using a suite of techniques to coat the catalysts onto the choice of substrate. Making catalysts available in this way again allows system developers the opportunity to innovate and tailor their fuel processor to meet their specific requirements.