Research Projects

This project addresses the critical need for scalable and sustainable hydrogen production through aqueous-phase reforming (APR) of hydrothermal biomass feedstocks. As a cornerstone of the National Hydrogen Mission, hydrogen is vital for clean energy transitions. APR offers an efficient pathway to convert biomass waste into high-purity hydrogen under mild conditions (less than 300°C) while integrating the water-gas shift reaction. However, its industrial scalability is limited by challenges such as the instability and high cost of noble metal catalysts, inhibitory compounds in biomass hydrolysates, and side reactions that reduce hydrogen yields. This research hypothesizes that advanced non-noble metal catalysts combined with effective pretreatment strategies can overcome these challenges. Novel catalysts, including perovskite- and spinel-based materials, doped ceria supports, and single-atom catalysts, will be developed to enhance resistance to poisoning and sintering. Synthesized using techniques like sol-gel and ball-milling methods, these catalysts will be characterized using XRD, BET, SEM/TEM, and temperature-programmed reduction to optimize their performance for APR reactions. Pretreatment methods such as advanced oxidation and adsorption will be employed to reduce inhibitory compounds like phenolics and furans by 80%, improving compatibility with the catalysts and minimizing deactivation rates to below 10%. Reaction conditions, including temperature, pressure, and feedstock composition, will be optimized to maximize hydrogen yield while reducing undesirable by-products like methane. Continuous reactor testing will ensure catalyst stability, targeting consistent hydrogen production over 48 operational hours. This comprehensive approach integrates catalyst innovation and feedstock pretreatment, creating a coherent system for APR-based hydrogen production. Successful implementation of this project will significantly enhance hydrogen yields, reduce dependency on costly noble metals, and improve the valorization of biomass waste. It will advance fundamental understanding of APR mechanisms and catalyst behavior while providing practical solutions aligned with India’s energy and environmental goals. The outcomes will contribute to global efforts in renewable energy, establishing a scalable model for green hydrogen technologies.