Hydrogen Production

Hydrogen, renowned for its versatility and status as a clean energy carrier, plays a pivotal role in the pursuit of sustainable energy solutions. However, the predominant methods of hydrogen production, namely steam methane reforming (SMR) and partial oxidation of natural gas, have raised environmental concerns due to their inherent carbon emissions. In the conventional SMR process, natural gas undergoes a reaction with steam, yielding hydrogen and carbon dioxide as by-products. Despite its widespread use, the environmental impact of this method is significant, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions. Similarly, partial oxidation, another prevalent technique, involves the reaction of natural gas with oxygen to produce hydrogen and carbon monoxide. This method, while effective in yielding hydrogen, is characterized by its energy intensity and the release of carbon-emitting by-products. Despite these environmental drawbacks, the economic viability of these traditional approaches has rendered them dominant in the current landscape of hydrogen production. In response to the escalating demand for cleaner energy alternatives, the scientific community is actively engaged in research and development initiatives to propel alternative and more sustainable hydrogen production technologies. These endeavours aim to mitigate the environmental footprint associated with conventional methods, fostering the emergence of innovative approaches that align with the imperative of transitioning to a greener and more sustainable energy future.