Hydrogen production from glucose by partial oxidation in high temperature high pressure water - 1: Study on reaction condition and effect of ZnO

Hydrogen formation from glucose was examined using a batch reactor in high temperature high pressure water at 300°C. Homogenous catalysts (H ₂SO₄ and NaOH) were not effective for H₂ formation from glucose at this condition. Heterogeneous catalysts: Ag ₂0, CuO, Cr₂O₃, Fe₂O₃, MgO, MnO₂, MoO₃, NiO, rutile TiO₂, and ZnO, were applied and then it was found that MnO₂ and ZnO effectively promoted H₂ formation. In order to enhance H₂ yield, glucose in high pressure high temperature water was partially oxidized in the presence of ZnO. As a result, 25 % H₂ (glucose mole basis) was obtained. In this reaction, by-production of methane was not observed, The enhancement of H₂ yield was not observed when ZnO was located at gas phase. It suggested that a precursor of H₂ formed in the aqueous phase.