Polymeric membrane technologies for hydrogen generation and recovery

Membrane technologies play a crucial role in hydrogen generation and recovery processes, offering significant advantages in terms of efficiency, selectivity, and environmental sustainability. Membrane-based hydrogen generation technologies, such as water electrolysis and reforming processes, have gained considerable attention due to their ability to produce high-purity hydrogen. These membranes allow for the efficient separation of hydrogen from other gases, resulting in enhanced purity and productivity. Polymeric membranes (PMs) and mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) offer distinct advantages depending on the specific application requirements. PMs are widely used for hydrogen recovery and generation due to their cost-effectiveness, flexibility, and scalability. MMMs combine the benefits of both polymers and fillers, offering improved selectivity and permeability. The performance and efficiency of membrane technologies in hydrogen generation and recovery depend on factors such as membrane materials, design, operating conditions, and system integration. Ongoing research efforts focus on improving membrane performance, optimizing system design, and exploring novel materials to further improve membrane performance. This chapter will provide an overview of hydrogen generation and recovery with PMs with a focus on performance and scalability potential.