North Haven, CT (February 18, 2025) – Precision Combustion, Inc. (PCI) announced today that it has been awarded a U.S. Army Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase II contract titled “Structured, Highly Active Catalyst for Low Temperature Methanol Reforming.” Building on Phase I results, the effort advances a structured, highly active, low temperature methanol steam-reforming catalyst designed to reduce thermal signature and enable efficient hydrogen production for soldier-wearable, reformed-methanol fuel cell devices.
In Phase I, PCI synthesized and validated catalyst samples under representative conditions, achieving high methanol conversion with <2% CO in the reformate at temperatures below 200°C. The approach coupled (i) high-kinetic-rate methanol reforming catalyst with high selectivity to hydrogen, (ii) very high reactivity supports to maximize reactant-catalyst interaction and enable high space velocity, and (iii) a scalable, lightweight reactor design engineered for fast startup and compatibility with reformed-methanol fuel cells.
Under Phase II, PCI will further develop and mature the catalyst, examining long-term durability over 1,000’s of hours with multiple start/stop cycles, and will deliver supported catalyst cartridges to Army for evaluation. “This project targets near-term needs for enhanced soldier autonomy and methanol-fueled fuel cells,” said Kevin Burns, President of PCI. “By combining low heat signature, quick start-up, and high conversion at low temperature, this catalyst approach is designed to extend mission duration and reduce soldier load while retaining the technical feasibility to scale from lightweight portable devices to larger systems.”
“Success in Phase II will increase TRL and accelerate transition of the catalyst and associated reforming technology, with the potential to reduce overall fuel cell power generation system size and weight for future fielded solutions,” added Anthony Anderson, Director, Marketing and Business Development.
About Precision Combustion, Inc.
Precision Combustion, Inc. is a clean energy and environmental technology company developing new reactors and systems for energy and environmental sector applications.
For more information, contact:
Anthony Anderson
Director, Marketing and Business Development
Phone: 203-287-3700 ext. 290
Email: aanderson@pci.energy
