Production of hydrogen from non-cyclic organic substances having multiple alcohol functionality

Abstract

A method of producing hydrogen gas from a reaction of an organic substance having multiple alcohol functionality with a base. Hydrogen can be produced in a reaction of a base with an organic substance having multiple alcohol functionality that may proceed through the formation of a bicarbonate or carbonate compound as a byproduct. In some embodiments, the reaction may occur in the presence of water. The preferred organic substances include diols, triols, and higher order alcohols. Non-cyclic (linear or branched) organic substances having multiple alcohol functionality are among the preferred reactants. The instant base-facilitated hydrogen-producing reactions are thermodynamically more spontaneous than the corresponding conventional reformation reactions of the organic substances and can produce hydrogen at less extreme reaction conditions. The preferred reactants further include low volatility organic substances having multiple alcohol functionality. Such reactants permit the efficient formation of hydrogen in a liquid phase system and enable a continuous reaction capability in the liquid phase without the need to condense volatilized reactant.