Applications of Molecular Sieves in Hydrogen Production, Purification, and Storage

Molecular sieves are indispensable in the hydrogen industry, offering crucial technical support through their efficient adsorption and catalytic properties across production, purification, and storage processes.

Core Advantages in Hydrogen Applications:

● High Selectivity:

By adjusting pore sizes (e.g., 3A, 4A, 5A, 13X), molecular sieves selectively adsorb impurities such as CO₂, CH₄, and H₂O while allowing hydrogen (kinetic diameter 0.289 nm) to pass. For example, 13X molecular sieves have a CO₂ adsorption capacity up to 2.5 mmol/g (25°C), far exceeding that of other adsorbents.
● PSA Process Optimization:

In Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA) systems, molecular sieves are combined with activated alumina and activated carbon to form multilayer beds. Molecular sieves remove CO₂ (reducing concentrations from 20% to <10 ppm), while activated carbon targets hydrocarbons, enabling hydrogen purity above 99.99%.

● Pore Volume & Kinetics:

Larger pore volumes allow for higher impurity loadings, reducing regeneration frequency and energy consumption. Dynamic adsorption tests show CO₂ reaches equilibrium within 30 seconds at 1 MPa, making it ideal for fast-cycle PSA systems.

JOOZEO’s hydrogen-grade molecular sieves, with large pore volumes and excellent selectivity, are effective against a broad range of gas and VOC impurities. As the industry moves toward green hydrogen (via renewable electrolysis) and blue hydrogen (fossil fuels + CCUS), the application scope of these sieves will continue to expand.