How is hydrogen sourced for fuel cells?

Hydrogen for fuel cells is primarily sourced from natural gas through a process called steam methane reforming.

Hydrogen is a key component in fuel cells, which are devices that convert chemical potential energy into electrical energy. The most common method of obtaining hydrogen for these cells is through a process known as steam methane reforming. This process involves reacting methane, the primary component of natural gas, with steam under high temperatures and pressures to produce hydrogen and carbon monoxide. The carbon monoxide is then reacted with more steam to produce additional hydrogen and carbon dioxide.

Another method of sourcing hydrogen is through electrolysis of water. This process involves passing an electric current through water to separate it into its constituent elements, hydrogen and oxygen. The hydrogen can then be collected and used in fuel cells. However, this method is less commonly used due to its high energy requirements and cost.

There are also other methods of producing hydrogen, such as biomass gasification and coal gasification, but these are less common and often more environmentally damaging. Biomass gasification involves the conversion of organic materials, such as wood and agricultural waste, into hydrogen and carbon dioxide. Coal gasification, on the other hand, involves reacting coal with oxygen and steam to produce a gas mixture that includes hydrogen.

In recent years, there has been increasing interest in sourcing hydrogen from renewable sources, such as wind and solar power. This involves using electricity generated from these sources to power the electrolysis of water, resulting in a more sustainable and environmentally friendly method of producing hydrogen. However, this method is still in its early stages of development and is not yet widely used.