The conversion of biomass-derived liquids to hydrogen is a significant element of DOE’s goal of distributed renewable H2 production.  Improved process efficiency and selectivity are necessary to reduce the cost of the process.  The objective of this research is to develop transition metal-loaded zeolite catalytic membranes for conversion of biomass-derived liquids (e.g. carbohydrates) to hydrogen through liquid-phase reaction.  This type of catalytic membrane is expected (1) to significantly enhance the yield by the improved dispersion of metal species in the zeolitic channels and the synergistic effects of metal-zeolite on the dehydrogenation reaction, and (2) to increase the H2 selectivity by timely drawn H2 from reaction sites and reducing the residence time of the produced H2 on the catalyst surface and in the solution phase.  During operation, the reaction occurs within the metal loaded thin membrane layer (3~5mm thick). The pressurized feed solution transports through the sub-nanometer metal-loaded zeolite pores where the oxygenated hydrocarbon molecules are catalyzed and converted to H2 and CO2. The produced H2 and CO2 will be released instantly to the vapor phase on the other side of the membrane where high pressure is maintained for subsequent cost effective H2 purification by a modified zeolite membrane. The membrane reactor is therefore able to deliver two final product streams, nearly pure H2 on the permeate side and high concentration CO2 on the retention side. This highly integrated membrane reactor will be ideal for distributed H2 production from biomass because of its compact size, high efficiency in terms of yield and selectivity, and simplicity of operation.