On-line hydrogen quality control for fuel stations using Raman spectroscopy

High-purity hydrogen is required for the efficient operation and longevity of fuel cells, making quality analysis essential. Conventional methods, such as gas chromatography and mass spectroscopy, rely on precise sampling and laboratory conditions for the analysis, resulting in high costs and time-consuming processes. This study demonstrates that Raman spectroscopy is a promising approach for on-site measurements at fuel stations using a single device. A transportable diode-based Raman setup was used to collect spectra of hydrogen and various possible contaminants in complex mixtures. Accurate quantification of individual components in a gas mixture relies on robust data processing due to overlapping spectral features. Therefore, a linear multivariate regression model was employed for the proof of principle by separating the spectra of different gases and to quantify their concentration. This research validates that a diode-based Raman spectrometer can effectively be utilized for on-site gas analysis and monitoring permissible constituents in hydrogen.