A qualitative assessment of hydrogen generation techniques for fuel cell applications

Meeting energy demands necessitates the initial focus on hydrogen generation, followed by prioritizing hydrogen storage and transportation. Hydrogen generation can be categorized into on-site and off-site methods. Opting for on-site hydrogen generation is preferable when powering fuel cells for electricity generation, as it eliminates the costs associated with storage and transportation. Nevertheless, certain off-site hydrogen production techniques coupled with storage and transportation are more cost-effective than some on-site generation approaches. In this review paper, diverse hydrogen production methods (both on-site and off-site) are explored, involving a range of chemical compounds such as composite materials, various photosynthetic bacteria, different electrolysis approaches for water, aluminum-assisted hydrolysis, and steam reforming of methane and methanol. The paper offers a thorough examination of the hydrogen generation method within its peer group, leading to conclusions that are drawn from their potential exergo-economic implications. Furthermore, the viability of different methods for generating hydrogen, particularly in the context of fuel cell applications, is indicated.