Method of Processing Hydrogen
Hydrogen is one the most profuse elements on Earth. Producing hydrogen fuel from organic substances and water can be accomplished through the use of steam reforming, electrolysis and coal gasification.
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Steam Reforming
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The U.S. Department of Energy's Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy (EERE) website states that steam-methane reforming produces most of the hydrogen within the United States. Steam reforming uses high-temperature steam to manufacture hydrogen from a methane source.
Electrolysis
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Electrolysis uses electricity by splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen. Hydrogen is processed by an anode and cathode immersed in an electrochemical solution. Chemical bonds are separated, and hydrogen is released from this procedure.
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Coal Gasification
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When coal is reacted with oxygen and steam under high pressure at a high temperature, it forms a gas. This gas is called synthesis gas, and it consists of hydrogen and carbon monoxide. After hydrogen is separated from the gas, it is used for fuel.
Biomass Gasification
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Biomass gasification uses heat, steam and oxygen to break apart renewable organic sources (wheat straw or crop residues). When the substance is broken apart, it creates synthesis gas, and hydrogen is extracted from this gas by special membranes before it's turned into fuel.
Photobiological Process
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The photobiological process method of hydrogen production uses sunlight and special microorganisms (green algae and cyanobacteria) to create hydrogen. Sunlight is used to help grow the microorganisms, which then consume water and produce hydrogen as a waste product. This method of hydrogen production is in the early stages of development.
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References
- Corrosion Doctors: Hydrogen Production Processes
- U.S. Department of Energy, Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy: Natural Gas Reforming
- U.S. Department of Energy, Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy: Electrolytic Processes
- U.S. Department of Energy, Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy: Coal Gasification
- U.S. Department of Energy, Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy: Biomass Gasification