(Mainz) – The Fraunhofer Institute for Microtechnology and Microsystems IMM is working on a novel methanol reformer. Methanol is not only much easier to transport than hydrogen, but can also be stored almost indefinitely. For example, green hydrogen could be produced in sunny areas, converted into methanol, transported and reformed back into hydrogen, the scientists explain. In addition, methanol offers a very high energy density with around 4,8 kilowatt hours of energy per liter - more than compressed hydrogen.
Abrasion contaminates the fuel cell
However, “there are still some problems with conventional reformers,” according to the researchers. The catalysts required for the reaction consist of copper-zinc oxide powder, which is pressed into pellets and poured into the reactor. The process creates abrasion that contaminates the fuel cell. 
In addition, the catalyst material is not fully utilized and the reaction proceeds quite slowly at comparatively low temperatures. In addition, heat is added, which reduces efficiency.
New reformer with precious metal
The researchers' new reformer, developed for mobile applications, only requires one sixth, i.e. around 17 percent, of the space of a commercially available reformer in the comparable performance class. According to Gunther Kolb, deputy director of the institute and department head at Fraunhofer IMM, the technology has also been optimized: “We rely on catalyst coatings containing precious metals, which do not cause any abrasion - similar to car catalytic converters.” This means that less material is required, which reduces costs.
The reactors could be manufactured in a similar way to high-pressure heat exchangers for motor vehicles. This means that “established and mass-market processes can be used,” according to a statement.
Prototype with 35 kilowatts of power by mid-2022
The researchers are currently creating a prototype with an output of 35 kilowatts, which should be ready in mid-2022. “The project is designed to be long-term; various prototypes will be integrated into land vehicles as a test,” says Kolb. The scientists are developing a reformer with an output of 100 kilowatts for maritime applications. It is also conceivable that the reformers, which are currently made of steel, could be produced from lightweight materials such as titanium.
Photos
Prototype of a five-kilowatt methanol reformer from Fraunhofer IMM (detail). © Fraunhofer IMM
Class schedule
Flow of the process of converting methanol into hydrogen. © Fraunhofer IMM
