A systematic review on environmentally friendly hydrogen production methods: comparative analysis of reactor technologies for optimal efficiency and sustainability
The transition to a hydrogen-based energy system is increasingly viewed as vital for achieving global sustainability and decarbonization goals. This systematic literature review (SLR) critically examines 37 peer-reviewed studies (2018–Q2 2024) on key hydrogen production methods: biomass gasification...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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Elsevier
2025-06-01
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| Series: | Sustainable Chemistry for Climate Action |
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| Online Access: | http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2772826925000331 |
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| author | Aisha Hamid Raja Razuan Raja Deris Siti Nur Amira Shaffee Taufiq Yap Yun Hin Divine Senanu Ametefe Mohd Lokman Ibrahim |
| author_facet | Aisha Hamid Raja Razuan Raja Deris Siti Nur Amira Shaffee Taufiq Yap Yun Hin Divine Senanu Ametefe Mohd Lokman Ibrahim |
| author_sort | Aisha Hamid |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | The transition to a hydrogen-based energy system is increasingly viewed as vital for achieving global sustainability and decarbonization goals. This systematic literature review (SLR) critically examines 37 peer-reviewed studies (2018–Q2 2024) on key hydrogen production methods: biomass gasification, auto-thermal reforming (ATR), photochemical water splitting, water electrolysis, and steam reforming. These technologies, while diverse in operational principles and efficiency, converge on the goal of delivering low-carbon hydrogen. Steam reforming remains the most commercially mature, yet it is constrained by high energy demands and catalyst degradation. Biomass gasification emerges as a renewable option, though hampered by cost and technical complexity. ATR offers improved energy efficiency but requires stringent process control. Photochemical water splitting, though promising in its solar-driven mechanism, is hindered by low conversion efficiency and material limitations. Water electrolysis, especially when powered by renewables, delivers high-purity hydrogen, albeit at elevated operational costs. The findings underscore that no single method can universally meet all economic, environmental, and technological criteria. Instead, context-specific hybridization and integration with renewable sources appear most viable. This review emphasizes the need for continued research in advanced catalysts, cost-effective materials, and scalable system designs. It also calls for cross-sectoral collaboration to tailor hydrogen strategies to local resource conditions and energy demands. By articulating the strengths, limitations, and future directions of current hydrogen production pathways, this study contributes to the evolving discourse on sustainable energy and supports informed decision-making toward a resilient, low-carbon future. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-e354fa1971b646a8a2aacdbfe23819d6 |
| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 2772-8269 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-06-01 |
| publisher | Elsevier |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Sustainable Chemistry for Climate Action |
| spelling | doaj-art-e354fa1971b646a8a2aacdbfe23819d62025-08-20T03:44:55ZengElsevierSustainable Chemistry for Climate Action2772-82692025-06-01610008810.1016/j.scca.2025.100088A systematic review on environmentally friendly hydrogen production methods: comparative analysis of reactor technologies for optimal efficiency and sustainabilityAisha Hamid0Raja Razuan Raja Deris1Siti Nur Amira Shaffee2Taufiq Yap Yun Hin3Divine Senanu Ametefe4Mohd Lokman Ibrahim5School of Chemistry and Environment, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Universiti Teknologi MARA, 40450, Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia; Department of Chemistry, University of Turbat, Balochistan, PakistanSchool of Chemistry and Environment, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Universiti Teknologi MARA, 40450, Shah Alam, Selangor, MalaysiaPetroliam Nasional Berhad (PETRONAS), Kuala Lumpur, MalaysiaCatalysis Science and Technology Research Centre, Faculty of Science, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400, Serdang, Selangor, MalaysiaCollege of Engineering, School of Electrical Engineering, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), 40450 Shah Alam, Selangor, MalaysiaSchool of Chemistry and Environment, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Universiti Teknologi MARA, 40450, Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia; Corresponding author at: School of Chemistry and Environment, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Universiti Teknologi MARA, 40450, Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia.The transition to a hydrogen-based energy system is increasingly viewed as vital for achieving global sustainability and decarbonization goals. This systematic literature review (SLR) critically examines 37 peer-reviewed studies (2018–Q2 2024) on key hydrogen production methods: biomass gasification, auto-thermal reforming (ATR), photochemical water splitting, water electrolysis, and steam reforming. These technologies, while diverse in operational principles and efficiency, converge on the goal of delivering low-carbon hydrogen. Steam reforming remains the most commercially mature, yet it is constrained by high energy demands and catalyst degradation. Biomass gasification emerges as a renewable option, though hampered by cost and technical complexity. ATR offers improved energy efficiency but requires stringent process control. Photochemical water splitting, though promising in its solar-driven mechanism, is hindered by low conversion efficiency and material limitations. Water electrolysis, especially when powered by renewables, delivers high-purity hydrogen, albeit at elevated operational costs. The findings underscore that no single method can universally meet all economic, environmental, and technological criteria. Instead, context-specific hybridization and integration with renewable sources appear most viable. This review emphasizes the need for continued research in advanced catalysts, cost-effective materials, and scalable system designs. It also calls for cross-sectoral collaboration to tailor hydrogen strategies to local resource conditions and energy demands. By articulating the strengths, limitations, and future directions of current hydrogen production pathways, this study contributes to the evolving discourse on sustainable energy and supports informed decision-making toward a resilient, low-carbon future.http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2772826925000331Hydrogen ProductionBiomass GasificationAuto Thermal Reactors (ATR)Photochemical Water SplittingWater ElectrolysisSteam Reforming |
| spellingShingle | Aisha Hamid Raja Razuan Raja Deris Siti Nur Amira Shaffee Taufiq Yap Yun Hin Divine Senanu Ametefe Mohd Lokman Ibrahim A systematic review on environmentally friendly hydrogen production methods: comparative analysis of reactor technologies for optimal efficiency and sustainability Sustainable Chemistry for Climate Action Hydrogen Production Biomass Gasification Auto Thermal Reactors (ATR) Photochemical Water Splitting Water Electrolysis Steam Reforming |
| title | A systematic review on environmentally friendly hydrogen production methods: comparative analysis of reactor technologies for optimal efficiency and sustainability |
| title_full | A systematic review on environmentally friendly hydrogen production methods: comparative analysis of reactor technologies for optimal efficiency and sustainability |
| title_fullStr | A systematic review on environmentally friendly hydrogen production methods: comparative analysis of reactor technologies for optimal efficiency and sustainability |
| title_full_unstemmed | A systematic review on environmentally friendly hydrogen production methods: comparative analysis of reactor technologies for optimal efficiency and sustainability |
| title_short | A systematic review on environmentally friendly hydrogen production methods: comparative analysis of reactor technologies for optimal efficiency and sustainability |
| title_sort | systematic review on environmentally friendly hydrogen production methods comparative analysis of reactor technologies for optimal efficiency and sustainability |
| topic | Hydrogen Production Biomass Gasification Auto Thermal Reactors (ATR) Photochemical Water Splitting Water Electrolysis Steam Reforming |
| url | http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2772826925000331 |
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