How is hydrogen produced?
- A process called steam-methane reforming is the most common method for producing hydrogen. Natural gas or methane are reacted with steam to produce hydrogen.
- Electrolysis produces hydrogen by using an electrical current to separate water into hydrogen and oxygen.
- Waste gas purification separates hydrogen from waste streams in industrial processes through special purification processes.
Did You Know...
A gaseous hydrogen "spill" diffuses immediately into the air, and does not pollute the ground or groundwater.
How has hydrogen been used?
- Hydrogen is used daily as a gas and liquid by many industries, including the petroleum industry and in manufacturing processes for producing chemicals, foods and electronics.
- Towngas, a fuel used in the early part of the 20th century, was 50% hydrogen.
- Hydrogen is used as a fuel for various space programs, including the NASA space shuttle.