Microstructured reactors for a portable hydrogen production unit

Abstract

This chapter starts with a short introduction to the relatively new field of microstructured reactors. The advantages and disadvantages will be briefly stated as well as the main differences betweenmicroreactors and conventional macro-scale equipment. Subsequently the reader will be introduced to the possibility to use a fuel cell in combination with a fuel processor as an alternative for battery packs to power portable electronic equipment. Microreactor technology will play a key role in the development of a small and lightweight fuel processor unit. Finally, the European cooperation project MiRTH-e, of which this research has been a part, is mentioned followed by the aim and layout of this thesis. 2