Steam reforming or steam methane reforming (SMR) is a method of producing hydrogen by water splitting. At high temperatures (700 – 1100 °C), steam reacts with methane to yield carbon monoxide and hydrogen.

CH₄ + H₂O → CO + 3 H₂

Steam reforming of natural gas is the most common method of producing commercial bulk hydrogen. According to Crabtree, et al (as cited in "References"), steam reforming is also the least expensive method. The United States produce through steam reforming of natural gas nearly all of the nine megatons of hydrogen they produce per year (Crabtree, et al).

References

• A Physics Today article by George W. Crabtree, Mildred S. Dresselhaus, and Michelle V. Buchanan, dated December, 2004

This article contains content adapted from the article "Hydrogen".