Advancements in microreactor technology for hydrogen production via steam reforming: A comprehensive review of experimental studies

Recent advancements in microfluidics enable the production of hydrogen (H2) through microreactors, resulting in enhanced safety, reaction control, and superior performance. This technology shows potential for addressing issues related to current H2 production systems. The present review article focuses on the latest developments in microreactor technology for H2 production, including an in-depth examination of various aspects such as reaction mechanisms for different fuels, diverse techniques utilized for microreactor fabrication, catalyst coating, performance evaluation, and microchannel arrangement. This study emphasizes the significance of selecting optimal parameters to achieve high microreactor performance, with structural and reaction conditions being the most influential factors based on a comprehensive analysis of experimental studies. This review article explores energy sources, materials, and catalysts for microreactor technology, contributing to its development for enhanced H2 production. Recent advancements include flexible microreactors, renewable energy utilization, utilization of advanced fabrication techniques, and new materials to overcome challenges and improve performance.