2.2 Synthesis of molecular hydrogen

Although hydrogen is the most abundant element in the universe, its reactivity means that it exists as compounds with other elements. Thus, molecular hydrogen, H ₂ , must be prepared from other compounds. The following outlines a selection of synthetic methods.

Steam reforming of carbon and hydrocarbons

Many reactions are available for the production of hydrogen from the reaction of steam with a carbon source. The choice of reaction is guided by the availability of raw materials and the desired purity of the hydrogen. The simplest reaction involves passing steam over coke at high temperatures (1000 °C).

Coke is a grey, hard, and porous carbonaceous material derived from destructive distillation of low-ash, low-sulfur bituminous coal. As an alternative to coke, methane may be used at a slightly higher temperature (1100 °C).

In each case the carbon monoxide formed in the reaction can react further with steam in the presence of a suitable catalyst (usually iron or cobalt oxide) to generate further hydrogen.

This reaction is known as the water gas-shift reaction, and was discovered by Italian physicist Felice Fontana ( [link] ) in 1780.

The dominant industrial process for hydrogen production uses natural gas or oil refinery feedstock in the presence of a nickel catalyst at 900 °C.

Electrolysis of water

Electrolysis of acidified water in with platinum electrodes is a simple (although energy intensive) route to hydrogen.

On a larger scale hydrolysis of warm aqueous solutions of barium hydroxide can yield hydrogen of purity greater than 99.95%. Hydrogen is also formed as a side product in the production of chlorine from electrolysis of brine (NaCl) solutions in the presence of a mercury electrode.

The sodium mercury amalgam reacts with water to yield hydrogen.

Thus, the overall reaction can be written as:

However, this method is being phased out for environmental reasons.

Reaction of metal with acid

Hydrogen is produced by the reaction of highly electropositive metals with water, and less reactive metals with acids, e.g.,

This method was originally used by Henry Cavendish ( [link] ) during his studies that led to the understanding of hydrogen as an element ( [link] ).

The same method was employed by French inventor Jacques Charles ( [link] ) for the first flight of a hydrogen balloon on 27 ^th August 1783. Unfortunately, terrified peasants destroyed his balloon when it landed outside of Paris.

Hydrolysis of metal hydrides

Reactive metal hydrides such as calcium hydride (CaH ₂ ) undergo rapid hydrolysis to liberate hydrogen.

This reaction is sometimes used to inflate life rafts and weather balloons where a simple, compact means of generating H ₂ is desired.