Hydrogen Purification Technologies in the Context of Its Utilization

Anna Król (), Monika Gajec (), Jadwiga Holewa-Rataj, Ewa Kukulska-Zając and Mateusz Rataj
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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

Energies, 2024, vol. 17, issue 15, 1-38

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.

Keywords: hydrogen production; renewable energy sources; membrane technology; hydrogen purification (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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