Sorption-enhanced Steam Reforming Technology for Promoting Hydrogen Production with In-situ CO2 Capture: Recent Advances and Prospects

Sorption-enhanced steam reforming (SorESR) is an advanced thermochemical process integrating in-situ CO2 capture via solid sorbents to significantly enhance hydrogen production and purity. By coupling CO2 adsorption with steam reforming, SorESR shifts the reaction equilibrium toward increased H₂ yield, surpassing the limitations of conventional steam reforming (SR). The efficacy of SorESR critically depends on the physicochemical properties of the solid CO2 sorbents employed. This review critically evaluates widely studied sorbents, including Ca-based, Mg-based, hydrotalcite-like, and alkali ceramic sorbents, focusing on their CO2 capture capacity, reaction kinetics, thermal stability, and cyclic durability under SR conditions. Furthermore, recent progress in multifunctional sorbent-catalysts that synergistically facilitate catalytic steam reforming alongside CO2 sorption is critically discussed. Moreover, the review summarises recent performance achievements and proposes strategies to improve sorbent capacity and reaction kinetics, thereby making the SorESR process more appealing for commercial applications. Large-scale SorESR implementation is expected to substantially increase hydrogen production efficiency while concurrently reducing CO2 emissions and advancing sustainable energy technologies. This review offers novel insights into the development of advanced sorbent-catalyst systems and provides new strategies for enhancing SorESR efficiency and scalability for commercial H2 Production.