Thermodynamical analysis of carbon activity in ethanol steam reforming

Hydrogen represents a promising alternative fuel due to its capacity for production from renewable sources, with one of the most effective methods being the reforming process, which involves reacting hydrocarbons or alcohols with steam and/or oxygen in the presence of a catalyst to produce hydrogen from renewable sources with low CO2 emissions However, a significant challenge for this technology is the catalyst's deactivation caused by carbon deposition. This study investigates the dynamics of carbon activity within the ethanol reforming process in thermodynamic stability, focusing on understanding the conditions leading to carbon deposition. The findings highlight critical parameters for minimizing carbon deposition and evaluating the impact of factors such as temperature and steam-to-ethanol ratio, thereby enhancing the efficiency and sustainability of ethanol reforming. The economic standpoint was also evaluated, bringing a different approach to this study that highlights the importance of cost in an industrial process which is integral to making informed decisions that support efficiency, profitability, competitiveness, and long-term sustainability of a process. This research advances our understanding of carbon activity and its relation to the ethanol steam reforming process and proposes practical guidelines for industrial applications, contributing significantly to sustainable energy production.