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This research aims to assess the efficiency of producing blue hydrogen using a novel integrated process.

May 21, 2026Open Access

Novel blue hydrogen production process through chemical looping water splitting with sorption enhanced—steam methane reforming (CLWS + SE-SMR) coupling

Key Points

This research aims to assess the efficiency of producing blue hydrogen using a novel integrated process.
Evaluated a combined approach of chemical looping water splitting and sorption-enhanced steam methane reforming.
Utilized Aspen Plus (Version 12.1) for process performance analysis.
Maintained thermal self-sufficiency with heat from the air reactor operating at 950 °C.
The system achieved a net efficiency of 79.3%.
It yields 2.63 moles of hydrogen per mole of methane with 99.8% purity.
Requires 59 MW of thermal energy for a feed rate of 1000 kmol/h of methane.

Abstract

Blue hydrogen production plays a vital role in the global energy transition by offering a low-carbon alternative to conventional fossil fuels, helping to mitigate climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This study explores an integrated approach to blue hydrogen production by combining sorption-enhanced steam methane reforming (SE-SMR) with chemical looping water splitting (CLWS). The process was analyzed using Aspen Plus (Version 12.1) to evaluate its performance and energy efficiency. Methane (CH4) is converted into high-purity hydrogen (H2) (99.8%) while maintaining thermal self-sufficiency through heat supplied by the CLWS air reactor operating at 950 °C. For a feed rate of 1000 kmol/h of methane, the system requires 59 MW of thermal energy and yields 2.63 moles of hydrogen per mole of methane. The integrated configuration achieves a net efficiency of 79.3%, surpassing the conventional CLC + SE-SMR method. These findings suggest that the proposed system offers a promising pathway for sustainable hydrogen production with reduced carbon emissions.

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