Hydrogen Production with In Situ CO2 Capture at High and Medium Temperatures Using Solid Sorbents

Hydrogen is a versatile vector for heat and power, mobility, and stationary applications. Steam methane reforming and coal gasification have been, until now, the main technologies for H-2 production, and in the shorter term may remain due to the current costs of green H-2. To minimize the carbon footprint of these technologies, the capture of CO2 emitted is a priority. The in situ capture of CO2 during the reforming and gasification processes, or even during the syngas upgrade by water-gas shift (WGS) reaction, is especially profitable since it contributes to an additional production of H-2. This includes biomass gasification processes, where CO2 capture can also contribute to negative emissions. In the sorption-enhanced processes, the WGS reaction and the CO2 capture occur simultaneously, the selection of suitable CO2 sorbents, i.e., with high activity and stability, being a crucial aspect for their success. This review identifies and describes the solid sorbents with more potential for in situ CO2 capture at high and medium temperatures, i.e., Ca- or alkali-based sorbents, and Mg-based sorbents, respectively. The effects of temperature, steam and pressure on sorbents' performance and H-2 production during the sorption-enhanced processes are discussed, as well as the influence of catalyst-sorbent arrangement, i.e., hybrid/mixed or sequential configuration.

Automated summary

Hydrogen is a versatile vector for various applications, and the capture of CO2 during production process is crucial in minimizing carbon footprint. Steam methane reforming and coal gasification are the main technologies for H-2 production, and in situ CO2 capture is especially profitable as it contributes to additional production of H-2.