An Electrochemical Reformer for Hydrogen Production From Methanol
19 October 2026
Affiliation
NTU
Focus topic
Low-carbon H2 & Derivatives
Pure hydrogen from methanol at 80°C
Summary
A PEM-based electrochemical reformer that converts methanol-water solution into pure hydrogen at low temperature and ambient pressure.
Achievements: a prototype reactor sustained 0.2 A cm-2 at a cell voltage of only ~0.44 V (81.9% energy efficiency), versus ~60% for steam methanol reforming at 200-350oC. At 1.0 V it reached 2.83 A cm-2, equal to ~25 kg H2 per m2 per day. Stable operation was achieved up to 1.0 V with catalyst poisoning mitigated. Hydrogen exits in a separate stream from CO2/CO, removing the need for gas separation and purification, and cells can be stacked for on-demand, on-site supply.
Carbon abatement: higher efficiency and lower temperature than thermocatalytic reforming.
What makes this novel compared to best-in-class technology?
Thermocatalytic methanol reforming runs at 200-350°C with ~60% efficiency and needs CO clean-up. This electrochemical reformer runs at 80°C and ambient pressure without added electrolyte, reaching 81.9% efficiency and ampere-level current densities with inherently separated, pure hydrogen.
TRL Level
1-3
Relevant for
Hydrogen refueling and fuel-cell users with methanol logistics
Methanol-fueled shipping and ports
Off-grid and backup power
Chemical and electronics sites needing on-site hydrogen
About
Inventors: Dai Chencheng, Xu Zhichuan, Adrian Charles Fisher
Affiliation: Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU), School of Materials Science and Engineering (MSE); University of Cambridge
Contact NTU for licensing opportunities and more information.
Please quote ID ref [2024-467] in your email.