ABSTRACT

Energy and environmental issues are important topics in present global community. The depletion of fossil fuels and the serious environmental problems must be solved effectively. Modern society has been searching for a new form of energy that is clean, renewable, cheap, and a viable alternative to fossil fuels. Growing environmental concerns and an increasing energy demand drive the search for new, sustainable sources of energy. In 2001, the global energy consumption rate was 13.5 terawatts, which more than 85% originated from fossil fuels [1]. To meet future demands, new sustainable energy sources have to be found. Solar energy may

be a potential candidate for meeting our energy needs. Recently, hydrogen has been great potential as a next-generation energy carrier. Hydrogen will play an important role in this goal, because it is an ultimate clean energy and it can be used in fuel cells. Moreover, hydrogen is used in chemical industries. Also, a large amount of hydrogen is consumed in industrial ammonia synthesis. Currently, in industry hydrogen is mainly generated from fossil fuels such as natural gas by steam reforming.