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Hydrogen Purification Technologies in the Context of Its Utilization

Author

Listed:
  • Anna Król

    (Oil and Gas Institute—National Research Institute, ul. Lubicz 25a, 31-503 Kraków, Poland)

  • Monika Gajec

    (Oil and Gas Institute—National Research Institute, ul. Lubicz 25a, 31-503 Kraków, Poland)

  • Jadwiga Holewa-Rataj

    (Oil and Gas Institute—National Research Institute, ul. Lubicz 25a, 31-503 Kraków, Poland)

  • Ewa Kukulska-Zając

    (Oil and Gas Institute—National Research Institute, ul. Lubicz 25a, 31-503 Kraków, Poland)

  • Mateusz Rataj

    (Oil and Gas Institute—National Research Institute, ul. Lubicz 25a, 31-503 Kraków, Poland)

Abstract

This publication explores current and prospective methods for hydrogen production and purification, with a strong emphasis on membrane-based technologies for purification and separation. This focus is justified by the ongoing shift towards renewable energy sources (RESs) in electricity generation, necessitating strategic changes to increase hydrogen utilization, particularly in the automotive, heavy road, and rail sectors, by 2025–2030. The adoption of hydrogen from RESs in the construction, energy, and industrial sectors (e.g., for process heat or fertilizer production) is also under consideration, driving the need for innovative production, separation, and purification methods. Historically, industrial-scale hydrogen has been predominantly derived from fossil fuels, but renewable sources such as electrolysis, biological, and thermal processes now offer alternatives with varying production efficiencies (0.06–80%) and gas compositions. Therefore, selecting appropriate separation and purification methods is critical based on specific usage requirements and the gas composition. Industrial-scale hydrogen purification commonly employs pressure swing adsorption (PSA) technologies, capable of achieving up to 99.99% purity. Cryogenic distillation is suitable for applications needing up to 95% purity. Membrane technologies, including polymer, metallic, and electrolytic membranes, have traditionally been limited to moderate volumes of pure gas production but are crucial for hydrogen purification and separation. This publication critically evaluates the potential of membrane technology for hydrogen separation, particularly in response to the anticipated rise in demand for RES-derived hydrogen, including from renewable feedstocks.

Suggested Citation

  • Anna Król & Monika Gajec & Jadwiga Holewa-Rataj & Ewa Kukulska-Zając & Mateusz Rataj, 2024. "Hydrogen Purification Technologies in the Context of Its Utilization," Energies, MDPI, vol. 17(15), pages 1-38, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:17:y:2024:i:15:p:3794-:d:1448155
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Kang, Jia-Ning & Wei, Yi-Ming & Liu, Lan-Cui & Han, Rong & Yu, Bi-Ying & Wang, Jin-Wei, 2020. "Energy systems for climate change mitigation: A systematic review," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 263(C).
    2. Santanu Kumar Dash & Suprava Chakraborty & Devaraj Elangovan, 2023. "A Brief Review of Hydrogen Production Methods and Their Challenges," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(3), pages 1-17, January.
    3. Zito, Pasquale Francesco & Brunetti, Adele & Barbieri, Giuseppe, 2023. "Hydrogen concentration and purification by membrane process: A multistage analysis," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 218(C).
    4. Rissman, Jeffrey & Bataille, Chris & Masanet, Eric & Aden, Nate & Morrow, William R. & Zhou, Nan & Elliott, Neal & Dell, Rebecca & Heeren, Niko & Huckestein, Brigitta & Cresko, Joe & Miller, Sabbie A., 2020. "Technologies and policies to decarbonize global industry: Review and assessment of mitigation drivers through 2070," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 266(C).
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