ABSTRACT
The fuel most widely studied for use in a fuel cell is hydrogen. If a long-term global solution is envisioned, other, nonfossil-derived fuels, which are renewable and environmentally friendly must be contemplated for the supply of hydrogen. An issue of major importance in ethanol steam reforming is the development of catalysts that operate with high levels of activity, selectivity, and stability. The chapter shows several options of integration of the steam reforming of ethanol in overall processes that are energetically favored. Many studies of ethanol steam reforming have been carried out over nickel-based catalysts, because these are used effectively on an industrial scale for the steam reforming of natural gas and higher hydrocarbons. The noble metal-based catalysts most widely studied in ethanol steam reforming are those based on palladium, platinum, ruthenium, and rhodium, and their behavior also depends, in this case, on the support.
