Aqueous-phase reforming (APR) produces hydrogen from biomass-derived oxygenated
compounds such as glycerol, sugars and sugar alcohols. APR is unique in that the reforming is
done in the liquid phase. The process generates hydrogen without volatilizing water, which
represents major energy savings. Furthermore, it occurs at temperatures and pressures where
the water-gas shift reaction is favorable, making it possible to generate hydrogen with low
amounts of CO in a single chemical reactor. By taking place at low temperatures, the process
also minimizes undesirable decomposition reactions typically encountered when carbohydrates
are heated to elevated temperatures. In another mode, the reactor and catalysts can be altered to
allow generation of high-energy hydrocarbons (propane, butane) from biomass-derived
compounds.