Electrochemical reforming of oxygenate mixtures

A process comprising:

• alkalinizing an oxygenate mixture to produce an alkaline oxygenate mixture;
• and
• performing electrolysis on the alkaline oxygenate mixture to produce hydrogen,
• wherein the electrolysis does not form any significant amounts of oxygen.

A process comprising:

• continuously alkalinizing an oxygenate mixture, comprising, a biomass of a biomass derived stream;
• and
• performing electrolysis with an anode and a cathode comprising a conductive metal or a conductive metal alloy of the group comprising:
• platinum, palladium, gold, nickel and combinations thereof, wherein the anode and the cathode are supported on carbon-based materials and the electrolysis occurs at temperatures greater than 150° C., pressures greater than 200 psig and at an applied voltage less than 1.23 volts to produce hydrogen,
• wherein the electrolysis does not form does not form any significant amounts of oxygen or carbon dioxide and the current density of the electrolysis is greater than 15 mA/cm2.