Advanced Coal Research, Hydrogen Production from Coal

The production of hydrogen from coal will require efficient and cost effective methods to separate and purify hydrogen, while enabling the capture and, ultimately, the sequestration of carbon dioxide. Advanced membrane technologies are needed that can separate hydrogen from mixed gas streams containing impurities and that can operate over a wide range of gas compositions. This project will develop technology for using electrochemical hydrogen pumps to separate hydrogen from coal-to-hydrogen production streams. Phase I will consist of a proof-of-principle demonstration that electrochemical pumping can separate hydrogen from gas mixtures typical of a gasified coal process. Also, the necessary operational parameters will be defined, prior to the design of large stacks in Phase II. Commercial Applications and other Benefits as described by the awardee: The technology should be of interest to leading hydrogen hardware and systems developers, as well as to companies that currently use hydrogen and/or will require hydrogen to fuel its products.