Polymeric Membranes for H2S and CO2 Removal from Natural Gas for Hydrogen Production: A Review

Natural gas, an important source of hydrogen, is expected to be crucial in the transition to a hydrogen-based economy. The landscape of the gas processing industry is set to change in the near future with the development of highly acidic sour gas wells. Natural gas purification constitutes a major share of the gas separation membrane market, and the shift to low-quality sour gas wells has been mirrored in the trends of membrane material research. Purification also constitutes the major portion of the cost of natural gas, posing implications for the cost of hydrogen production. This review provides an update on the current state of research regarding polymeric membranes for H2S removal, along with CO2 separation, from natural gas that is used for hydrogen production via steam methane reforming. The challenges of adapting polymeric membranes to ternary H2S/CO2/CH4 separations are discussed in detail. Key polymeric materials are highlighted, and the prospects for their application in H2S removal from natural gas are evaluated. Finally, the growing interest in H-2 production from H2S is discussed. Advances in the membrane industry and the emergence of new membrane materials may significantly improve the commercial viability of such processes.

Automated summary

Natural gas is a crucial source of hydrogen for a hydrogen-based economy, with the development of highly acidic sour gas wells set to change the gas processing industry. The trend towards low-quality sour gas wells is reflected in the research on membrane materials for natural gas purification. The cost implications of purification for natural gas also affect hydrogen production. This review provides an update on research regarding polymeric membranes for H2S removal and CO2 separation from natural gas used for hydrogen production.