The role of catalyst in hydrogen production: a critical review

Abstract

The increasing demand for hydrogen as an energy carrier requires the development of efficient and sustainable production strategies. Methane reforming is a widely used method for hydrogen production, and catalysts play a crucial role in optimizing this process. This paper provides a comprehensive review of the catalytic aspects of methane reforming, highlighting significant progress and recent advancements. After reviewing various research works, it was seen that the conversion of methane and carbon dioxide is influenced by the specific surface area of catalysts. It is observed that the catalysts with larger surface areas exhibit higher methane conversion rates, although exceptions are observed in the case of perovskites, which demonstrate good conversion efficiency despite their smaller size. Cobalt (Co) and nickel (Ni) are commonly employed in catalysts for achieving higher conversion rates. Other than that, various rare-earth catalysts were also evaluated in the paper. To further optimize the production strategy, several crucial points are identified. These include a comprehensive understanding of the reaction mechanisms for catalyst design, the integration of in situ characterization techniques for studying catalyst changes and active species, collaboration between theoretical calculations and experimental studies, and the development of highly efficient and stable catalysts. Emphasis is placed on exploring cost-effective options, such as nickel and other non-noble metal catalysts, while assessing their performance at low temperatures and in advanced reforming systems. With the increasing importance of hydrogen and syngas production, upgraded reforming systems are expected to flourish soon.