The Need
Current hydrogen production methods, such as steam methane reforming, are energy-intensive and emit significant CO₂, posing challenges for industries seeking low-carbon solutions. There is a critical need for scalable, efficient processes that enable continuous hydrogen generation while achieving near-complete carbon capture, supporting the transition to cleaner energy and compliance with tightening emissions regulations.

The Technology
This technology, developed by OSU engineers, presents an experimental strategy for identifying and optimizing operating conditions in a fixed-bed chemical looping system. By cycling reactors through reforming, combustion, regeneration, and hydrogen production steps, the process enables continuous operation. The approach systematically varies key parameters to maximize hydrogen output and ensure pure CO₂ capture, allowing for seamless integration into industrial workflows without the need for complex enabling hardware or frequent shutdowns.

Commercial Applications
• Low-carbon hydrogen production for chemical and refining industries
• Integrated carbon capture in power generation plants
• Decarbonization of industrial heat and process gas streams
• Scalable solutions for distributed hydrogen generation

Benefits/Advantages
• Enables continuous hydrogen production with simultaneous, high-purity CO₂ capture
• Reduces operational complexity
• Reduces shutdowns/downtime compared to batch processes
• Reduces solid attrition and maintenance compared to moving bed systems