Recent advances in hydrogen generation with chemical methods

Recent advances in hydrogen generation with chemical methods are reviewed. As an attractive alternative energy source, hydrogen energy has been studied widely and intensively. Among the three hydrogen generation modes, (1) with chemical methods (2) from electrolysis of water (3) by biologic methods, the first is the major method for mass production of hydrogen, in which catalysis reforming holds a large proportion of the total output. Along with the developments of fuel cell techniques, novel hydrogen generation techniques, such as hydrogen generation with biomasses, metals, solar energy or metal hydrides, have attracted more and more attention. These hydrogen generation techniques have a promising future in the coming hydrogen age, accompanied with the R&D of fuel cells and hydrogen engines.