Steam reforming

From Freepedia

Steam reforming or steam methane reforming (SMR) is a method of producing hydrogen by water splitting. At high temperatures (700 – 1100 °C) and in the presence of a metal-based catalyst, steam reacts with methane to yield carbon monoxide and hydrogen.

CH₄ + H₂O → CO + 3 H₂

Steam reforming of natural gas is the most common method of producing commercial bulk hydrogen. According to Crabtree, et al (as cited in "References"), steam reforming is also the least expensive method. The United States produce through steam reforming of natural gas nearly all of the nine megatons of hydrogen they produce per year (Crabtree, et al). This process is different from catalytic reforming, an oil refinery process that also produces significant amounts of hydrogen along with high octane rating gasoline.

References

• A Physics Today article by George W. Crabtree, Mildred S. Dresselhaus, and Michelle V. Buchanan, dated December, 2004

This article contains content adapted from the article "Hydrogen".