Catalysis and Chemical Engineering Global Conference

Hydrogen fuel is gaining traction as a clean source of renewable energy and has promise for carbon emission reduction and support for sustainable development. Catalysis plays an important role in the production of hydrogen fuel, but it also makes this production much more efficient and cost-effective.

Catalysts explain catalysis in simple terms as accelerating chemical reactions through substances termed catalysts. Catalysts in hydrogen production would split water molecules into hydrogen gas and oxygen gas or transform natural gas into hydrogen, for example, through processes such as steam methane reforming and electrolysis. This catalysis accelerates the reaction, hence making hydrogen production faster and more energy efficient.

Steam methane reforming is the most common form of production of hydrogen; it is the reaction between steam and methane, that is catalyzed by a catalyst usually made out of nickel in the presence of which hydrogen and carbon dioxide are produced. Though this method is highly efficient, it leaves CO₂ emission behind. Scientists focus on newer ways of making this mechanism clean by research into advanced catalysts that are more emission-reducing and efficient.

Another 'green' method of hydrogen production is via water electrolysis. Electricity splits the water molecules into hydrogen and oxygen. When hydrogen is produced from renewable energy sources, it does not result in carbon emissions, making it therefore 'green'. Catalysts, such as platinum and iridium, are commonly used within electrolysis to offer an enhancement in the rate of reaction and a process viable on a large scale. Recent work focuses on alternative catalysts that are cheaper and scarcer to make this process of green hydrogen production more economically viable and accessible.