Why is hydrogen production important?
As awareness around environmental issues increases, there is a growing interest in more sustainable, renewable forms of energy. One of the most promising energy sources and storage medias is hydrogen. As the most abundant element in the universe, the potential of hydrogen as a sustainable energy source is almost unlimited. However, hydrogen is mostly found in compounds with other elements and hydrogen gas must be generated using chemical or electrochemical means before it can be used. Hydrogen gas can be produced from renewable sources like hydro and solar energy, and non-renewable sources like coal and oil. However, creating hydrogen gas requires a significant amount of energy and that’s where catalysts come in.
How do catalysts help in the production of hydrogen?
As an experienced purveyor of catalyst design and manufacturing, DCL International is exploring new methods to improve catalyst technology for hydrogen production. The right catalyst can cause a significant increase in the energy efficiency of hydrogen production. Catalysts have a role in several of the most common means of hydrogen gas generation, including gasification, catalytic reforming and water electrolysis. As hydrogen production methods improve, catalysts are being developed to complement them, reducing the input energy required, improving overall efficiency. With experience providing diesel oxidation, oxidation and three-way catalysts for natural gas and other fuels, DCL also has the expertise to meet your hydrogen catalyst needs. (Hyperlink to 3 italicized catalyst pages).
Is hydrogen production environmentally friendly?
Hydrogen is a promising renewable fuel that could have a lasting impact on emissions from transportation and domestic appliances. Increased concerns about the contribution of Carbon Dioxide and the carbon emissions to global warming have brought hydrogen production back into the conversation. Hydrogen has a lower energy density per volume compared to traditional fossil fuels, but has significantly fewer harmful by-products. When hydrogen gas is used in a traditional combustion engine, the only exhaust emissions are water and nitrogen oxides. These nitrogen oxides can also be avoided by using the more efficient form—fuel cells.
What are the most efficient methods of hydrogen production?
Hydrogen Production is made using both renewable and non-renewable energy sources, including fossil fuels, biomass, and water using thermal or electrolytic methods. Currently the most popular form of hydrogen production is steam reforming of natural gas, which has an efficiency of 70-85% and a hydrogen yield of over 80%. This method however relies on fossil fuels and requires an external heat source to maintain the reactor temperature, which can result in a sluggish start-up. As advances are made in the area of renewable energy, more sustainable methods like pyrolysis, biological reaction and water electrolysis may become more popular. Both pyrolysis and biological reaction currently have a lower efficiency and hydrogen yield than steam reforming, but with the increased attention on sustainable development, they’re both receiving considerable attention. Numerous renewable energy sources, including hydro, solar, and wind energy are currently being developed for use in producing hydrogen. As solar energy develops, water electrolysis has the potential to be an economically and environmentally-friendly gamechanger. Offering zero greenhouse gas emissions, with an energy efficiency of 70-80% and a hydrogen yield of 70%, it’s an area with enormous potential.
How efficient is hydrogen production?
There are pros and cons to every hydrogen production method, but those with the highest electrical efficiency and hydrogen yield are steam reforming and water electrolysis. Here is a summary of some of the key considerations when considering which method is right for you. To find out more about how catalysts can help in your hydrogen production process, contact our team here to arrange a consultation.
| Feedstock | Energy sources | Required energy input/kg H2 | Hydrogen Yield | Efficiency | |
| Steam Reforming | Natural gas (methane) | Standard fossil fuels | ~10 MJ of heat | >80% | 70-85% |
| Partial Oxidation | Hydrocarbons like natural gas | Standard fossil fuels | Exothermic | 60-75% | 60-75% |
| Gasification | Biomass or coal | Standard fossil fuels | Exothermic | Increases from 29 to 45% when temperature increases from 700°C to 950°C | 35-50% |
| Catalytic Reforming or H2S Splitting | Petroleum; H2S | Standard fossil fuels | >100 MJ of heat | Normally slightly lower than steam reforming (~70%) | Around 45% |
| Pyrolysis | Biomass | Internally generated steam | >16 MJ | Increases from 33 to 40% when temperature increases from 500°C to 750°C (pyrolysis of corncob) | 30-50% |
| Natural gas (methane) | Internally generated steam | ~19 MJ of heat | Around 60%; Can have higher yield (around 80%) with better reactor design | Around 50% | |
| Biological Reaction | Biomass | Solar | – | Normally around 40-50% | 30-50% |
| Water Electrolysis | Water | Electricity from solar or wind | ~14 MJ of electricity alone | Around 70% | 70-80% |
| Thermochemical Water Splitting | Water | Standard fossil fuels or solar and wind energy | ~120 MJ of heat for water decomposition | Around 50% | NA |
| Photolysis | Water | Solar | ~120 MJ of heat for water decomposition | Lower than 50% | 0.50% |
