Renewable Hydrogen Production from Butanol: A Review

Hydrogen production from butanol is a promising alternative when it is obtained from bio-butanol or bio-oil due to the higher hydrogen content compared to other oxygenates such as methanol, ethanol or propanol. Catalysts and operating conditions play a crucial role in hydrogen production. Ni and Rh are metals mainly used for butanol steam reforming, oxidative steam reforming and partial oxidation. Additives such as Cu can improve catalytic activity in many folds. Moreover, support–metal interaction and catalyst preparation technique also play a decisive role in the stability and hydrogen production capacity of catalyst. Steam reforming technique as an option is more frequently researched due to higher hydrogen production capability in comparison to other thermochemical techniques despite its endothermic nature. The use of the oxidative steam reforming and partial oxidation has the advantages of requiring less energy and longer stability of catalysts. However, the hydrogen yield is less. This article brings together and examines the latest research on hydrogen production from butanol via steam reforming, oxidative steam reforming and partial oxidation reactions. In addition, the review examines a few thermodynamic studies based on sorption-enhanced steam reforming and dry reforming where there is potential for hydrogen extraction.