A process for the catalytic generation of hydrogen by the self-sustaining combination
of partial oxidation and steam reforming of a hydrocarbon comprises containing
a mixture of the hydrocarbon, an oxygen-containing gas and steam with a catalyst
comprising rhodium dispersed on a refractory oxide support material which is a
mixture of ceria and zirconia. The hydrocarbons are straight chain or branch chain
hydrocarbons having 1 to 15 carbon atoms and include methane, propane, butane,
hexane, heptane, normal-octane, iso-octane, naphthas, liquefied petroleum gas and
reformulated gasoline petrol and diesel fuels. The hydrogen generation process
can be started by feeding the hydrocarbon and air to initiate partial oxidation,
before steam is added. The hydrogen generation process can be started by feeding
the hydrocarbon and air to initiate partial oxidation, before steam is added. The
hydrogen generation process also may be operated in combination with a water-gas
shift reaction for the reduction of carbon monoxide in the hydrogen generated.
