| This work describes the development of structured aluminum-anodized alumina microreactors that exhibit high catalytic activity for the decomposition of anhydrous ammonia to nitrogen and hydrogen at moderate temperatures. Experiments involving reactor fabrication methods and optimizations of reactor catalyst support were performed. Correlations for the prediction of catalytic activity of possible catalyst metals for use in the reactor were also tested experimentally. Modifications such as adjustments to the geometry of the microreactor features, surface area enhancement of the anodized catalyst support, choice of Ru precursor, and application of a catalyst promoter are each shown to affect the reactor performance to varying degrees. Microreactors of this type have potential uses for a variety of small-scale heterogeneously catalyzed reactions, especially in mobile applications where monolithic structures are advantageous. The best-performing microreactor converts approximately 99% of ammonia at 600°C into the equivalent of 60 W of hydrogen, which is enough to power a laptop computer if the reactor is coupled to a PEM fuel cell system. |
