A chemical method for generating hydrogen from biomass has been shown experimentally. Hydrogen is produced from reforming reduced sugars over a tin promoted Raney nickel catalyst . This catalyst is a novel alternative to the platinum catalyst normally used to produce hydrogen from alkanes. The reaction is unique because it generates hydrogen from renewable resources, while using a less costly, more abundant catalyst.  Additionally, this chemistry is performed in aqueous phase, which is a more energy efficient process than the typical steam reforming .

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