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Chapter 9: Problem 2

Discuss the various methods used for the production of dihydrogen.

Short Answer

Expert verified
There are primarily four methods used for the production of dihydrogen: Electrolysis of Water, Steam-Methane Reforming, Coal Gasification, and Thermochemical Decomposition. Each method has its pros and cons, such as differences in cost, efficiency, and impact on the environment.

Step by step solution

01

Electrolysis of Water

This method involves passing an electric current through water to break it down into hydrogen and oxygen. The equation for this reaction is \[2H_2O \rightarrow 2H_2 + O_2\]. The electrolysis of water produces very pure hydrogen, however, it's typically not used for industrial-scale production due to high cost.
02

Steam-Methane Reforming

Steam-methane reforming is the most common method of hydrogen production. It involves reacting methane with high-temperature steam (700-1,000°C) in the presence of a catalyst to produce hydrogen. The reaction is: \[CH_4+ H_2O \rightarrow CO + 3H_2 \]. Additional hydrogen can be obtained through a secondary reaction, where carbon monoxide and steam are reacted using a catalyst. This method, though efficient, produces greenhouse gases.
03

Coal Gasification

Coal gasification involves converting coal into a gas (synthesis gas), which consists of carbon monoxide and hydrogen. This process is achieved by reacting the coal with oxygen and steam. The carbon monoxide from the syngas can then be converted to hydrogen through the water-gas shift reaction.
04

Thermochemical Decomposition

Thermochemical decomposition is a less common method where high temperatures (approximately 2,000°C) are used to break down water into hydrogen and oxygen. The process is not currently used for commercial hydrogen production due to cost. The reaction is: \[ H_2O \rightarrow H_2 + \frac{1}{2} O_2\].

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Most popular questions from this chapter

Write balanced equations for the following processes: (a) Electrolysis of water (b) Treatment of sodium hydride with water (c) Treatment of calcium with water (d) Production of \(\mathrm{CH}_{4}\) from a carbide

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