Advancements in purification and holistic utilization of industrial by-product hydrogen: Progress, challenges, and prospects

In the wake of a global shift towards sustainable energy and heightened environmental stewardship, hydrogen energy stands out as a clean and efficient alternative, drawing significant interest for its potential. Industrial by-product hydrogen (IBPH), a key source in the burgeoning hydrogen economy, is poised for growth during the early to mid-stages of hydrogen economy, but currently grapples with substantial wastage and suboptimal utilization due to technological barriers and insufficient attention. A critical examination of the purification and utilization technologies for IBPH is thus imperative, offering practitioners in the hydrogen domain the insights necessary for a more strategic and efficacious harnessing of this resource. The present review delivers an exhaustive survey of cutting-edge separation and purification techniques tailored for IBPH. Additionally, it encapsulates the latest advancements in utilization technologies of IBPH across diverse sectors, presenting a methodical compendium of current innovations. The discourse extends to a probing analysis of the prevailing challenges and envisions the prospective landscape of the IBPH marketplace.