Challenges in the production of hydrogen from glycerol-a biodiesel byproduct via steam reforming process

The depleting fossil fuels with their ever increasing prices have paved ways for alternative fuels. Biodiesel is one of those alternative fuels which have picked up keen interest of the people due to its similar properties to diesel. However due to biodiesel being costlier than diesel in the present scenario, it has not been preferred to diesel. However if the cost of biodiesel is reduced then its effective usage can be made, either by blending with conventional diesel or by utilizing its byproduct (glycerol) effectively. One way is to use glycerol to produce hydrogen. Hydrogen, being another source of renewable energy, is also seen as a clean fuel for transportation purpose. Hydrogen can be prepared through glycerol via various routes namely steam reforming, auto-thermal reforming, partial oxidation, etc. The paper here focuses on the steam reforming process. This process is used widely used in the industries and it would not require much change in the system if the feedstock is changed to glycerol from naphtha or natural gas. However like every process this process also has some limitations which hinder the effective production of hydrogen. The paper throws light on these challenges, along with few possible solutions which can be used in order to avoid or eliminate these challenges and help in efficient production of hydrogen. (c) 2013 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.