Steam Methane Reforming (SMR) is a widely used industrial process that converts natural gas, primarily composed of methane, into hydrogen gas. In this process, steam is reacted with methane at high temperatures, typically around 700 to 1,000 degrees Celsius, in the presence of a catalyst. This reaction produces hydrogen and carbon monoxide.
The hydrogen generated through SMR is essential for various applications, including the production of ammonia for fertilizers and as a clean fuel source. While SMR is efficient, it also produces carbon dioxide as a byproduct, raising concerns about its environmental impact and prompting interest in more sustainable hydrogen production methods.