The University of Chicago

Scott R Segal

Christopher L Marshall

Kenneth B Anderson

Kathleen Carrado-Gregar

A process and apparatus are provided for in-situ production of hydrogen (H ) by alcohol decomposition for emission reduction from internal combustion engines. Hydrogen is generated by a catalytic process for in-situ production from alcohols, either neat, or in a hydrocarbon mixture, such as gasoline. The in-situ production of hydrogen is achieved using a solid basic catalytic bed provided with the internal combustion engine. The preferred catalyst is a copper (Cu) containing layered double hydroxide (LDH)-derived catalyst, such as a Cu/Al LDH-derived catalyst. At least a portion of an alcohol containing fuel is passed through the catalyst bed to generate hydrogen gas from the alcohol substantially without producing carbon monoxide. The fuel and generated hydrogen gas is injected into the internal combustion engine. Catalytic reactions are provided at temperatures in a range between ambient and 500&deg; C., preferably between 150&deg; C. through 400&deg; C.

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Endwell, NY, United States of America

Scott R Segal