Optimized integration strategies for the PMR-based H₂ production with CO₂ capture process

This work develops process options using a novel protonic membrane reformer (PMR) and liquefaction-based CO₂ capture process for low-carbon hydrogen production from natural gas. Several hybrid concepts of the PMR and liquefaction process are suggested based on the strategies to handle the residual gas from the reformer. The process intensification and optimization results indicate that the hybrid system with a water-gas-shift reactor and off-gas recycling guarantees high H₂ and CO₂ recovery rates for the PMR operating at relatively low H₂ recovery. The hybrid concept also has 74% energy conversion efficiency, which is higher than a conventional steam-methane reforming (SMR)-based H₂ production with chemical absorption CO₂ capture.