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Hydrogen Purity: Influence of Production Methods, Purification Techniques, and Analytical Approaches

Author

Listed:
  • Yunji Kim

    (Water Energy Research Center, Korea Water Resources Corporation, Daejeon 34045, Republic of Korea)

  • Heena Yang

    (Water Energy Research Center, Korea Water Resources Corporation, Daejeon 34045, Republic of Korea)

Abstract

Hydrogen purity plays a crucial role in the expanding hydrogen economy, particularly in applications such as fuel cells and industrial processes. This review investigates the relationship between hydrogen production methods and resulting purity levels, emphasizing the differences between reforming, electrolysis, and biomass-based techniques. Furthermore, it explores state-of-the-art purification technologies, including pressure swing adsorption (PSA), membrane separation, and cryogenic distillation, highlighting their effectiveness and limitations in achieving ultra-pure hydrogen. Analytical methods such as gas chromatography, mass spectrometry, and cavity ring-down spectroscopy are also discussed in terms of their accuracy and application scope for hydrogen quality assessment. By integrating findings from global and domestic studies, this paper aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and advancements in hydrogen purity, offering insights into optimizing hydrogen for a sustainable energy future.

Suggested Citation

  • Yunji Kim & Heena Yang, 2025. "Hydrogen Purity: Influence of Production Methods, Purification Techniques, and Analytical Approaches," Energies, MDPI, vol. 18(3), pages 1-22, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:18:y:2025:i:3:p:741-:d:1584799
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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    4. An, Nahyeon & Gu, Boram & Kim, Junghwan & Ga, Seongbin, 2025. "Advancing green hydrogen purification: Multiscale evaluation of membrane processes using novel software, pySembrane," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 208(C).
    5. Andrew J. Curtis & Benjamin C. McLellan, 2023. "Potential Domestic Energy System Vulnerabilities from Major Exports of Green Hydrogen: A Case Study of Australia," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(16), pages 1-34, August.
    6. Anna Król & Monika Gajec & Jadwiga Holewa-Rataj & Ewa Kukulska-Zając & Mateusz Rataj, 2024. "Hydrogen Purification Technologies in the Context of Its Utilization," Energies, MDPI, vol. 17(15), pages 1-38, August.
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    Cited by:

    1. Arkadiusz Małek, 2025. "Low-Emission Hydrogen for Transport—A Technology Overview from Hydrogen Production to Its Use to Power Vehicles," Energies, MDPI, vol. 18(16), pages 1-32, August.

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