Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A process for the catalytic generation of hydrogen by the self-starting, self-sustaining combination of partial oxidation and steam reforming of an organic fuel wherein a mixture of the organic fuel and an oxygen-containing gas and steam is contacted with a precious metal catalyst which is selective for the partial oxidation reaction characterized in that the organic fuel is dimethyl ether. Suitable catalysts include platinum or rhodium supported on zirconia or a mixture of ceria and zirconia.

Abstract: 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.