Hydrogen is produced industrially as a gas or a liquid by several methods. These include:
 | » | Steam reforming, a reaction of natural gas (methane) or other light hydrocarbons (ethane or propane) with steam in the presence of a catalyst |
 | » | Electrolysis of water, a process which transforms water into its elemental parts through the use of an electric current |
 | » | Ammonia dissociation, the breaking up of ammonia into its simpler components, namely hydrogen and nitrogen |
 | » | Partial oxidation, a reaction of hydrocarbons (such as natural gas, naphtha, petroleum coke or coal) with oxygen to produce hydrogen and carbon monoxide |
In addition, hydrogen is obtained as a by-product of some refining and chemical production processes.
Manufacturers use pressure swing adsorption (PSA), cryogenic separation and membrane gas separation technology to purify crude hydrogen.