Electrochemical Cracking for Releasing Hydrogen from Methanol

The application of hydrogen energy significantly reduces air pollutant emissions compared to conventional fossil fuels. Nevertheless, the transportation, storage, and delivery of hydrogen pose substantial challenges. To address these, exploring potential hydrogen carriers is crucial for facilitating the distribution of hydrogen energy and enabling convenient intercontinental energy trade. Methanol has emerged as an ideal hydrogen carrier due to its higher hydrogen density per molecule, ease of transportation, and miscibility with water compared to pure hydrogen. It can be cracked into hydrogen primarily through thermochemical and electrochemical processes, making it a valuable source for hydrogen production. This Perspective examines two distinct methods of methanol cracking with a particular focus on the development of catalysts and the underlying reaction mechanisms. It further underscores the superiority of electrochemical cracking in this context. Additionally, a comprehensive techno-economic analysis of the electrochemical methanol cracking process is presented, demonstrating its potential for economic viability. The comparison of handling and transportation costs among methanol, liquefied hydrogen, and ammonia highlights the significant expenses associated with liquefied hydrogen and ammonia, thereby emphasizing the relative advantages of methanol. The Perspective concludes with strategic recommendations and perspectives, offering a blueprint for advancing electrochemical methanol cracking as an efficient method for hydrogen production.