Table of Contents
What is Hydrogen?
Hydrogen is the lightest and most abundant element in the universe. It is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas that is non-toxic. Hydrogen is the most common component of water and is essential for all life.
Hydrogen Preparation Methods
The most common way to produce hydrogen is through the steam reforming of natural gas. In this process, methane from natural gas is converted into hydrogen and carbon monoxide by heating it with steam in the presence of a catalyst.
1. Preparation of Hydrogen by Laboratory Method
The laboratory preparation of hydrogen begins with the burning of magnesium in an atmosphere of oxygen. The magnesium is in the form of a ribbon, and the oxygen is in the form of a gas.
The reaction between magnesium and oxygen produces heat, light, and magnesium oxide. The magnesium oxide is a solid and is left behind after the reaction.
The hydrogen gas is produced in the reaction and is collected in a test tube.
2. Preparation of Hydrogen by a Commercial Preparation Method
The commercial preparation of hydrogen is usually done by the steam reforming of methane. In this process, methane is reacted with steam to produce carbon monoxide and hydrogen. The carbon monoxide and hydrogen are then separated by a gas separation unit.
Uses of Hydrogen (Dihydrogen)
The primary use of hydrogen is as a fuel. Hydrogen can be used in fuel cells to produce electricity without emissions of greenhouse gases. It can also be used to produce hydrogen fuel cells.
