Carbonaceous Sorbents for Hydrogen Purification

Hydrogen (H2) is an important commercial fuel, and its purification is necessary before it can be used as a fuel or energy source in order to eliminate contaminants and obtain the appropriate purity level. However, environmental impacts, along with the feasibility and efficiency of the purification process, are major obstacles because some systems are very expensive and energy-intensive to operate. Therefore, this book chapter discusses using carbonaceous sorbents for hydrogen purification, which is a crucial stage in the production of ultra-pure hydrogen for commercial use. The current chapter covers different types of carbonaceous sorbents, including activated carbon, biochar, carbon nanotubes, porous carbon, and carbon molecular sieves. The chapter also explores the unique properties of these sorbents, the mechanisms of hydrogen adsorption, as well as the factors affecting their performance. Furthermore, the recent advancements in the development of carbonaceous sorbents for hydrogen purification, including the use of functionalization techniques to enhance their performance, were highlighted. The chapter concludes with a discussion of the challenges and future prospects of carbonaceous sorbents for hydrogen purification and their potential role in the transition toward sustainable hydrogen utilization.