Amirkabir University of Technology Advances in Energy Sciences and Technologies 3115-9117 1 4 2026 04 01 Plasma-based techniques for clean and efficient hydrogen generation: A comprehensive review 371 402 6038 10.22060/aest.2026.25852.1006 EN Sima Ealanloo Department of Energy Engineering and Physics, Amirkabir University of Technology (Tehran Polytechnic), Tehran, Iran. Fatemeh Ahmadinouri Department of Energy Engineering and Physics, Amirkabir University of Technology (Tehran Polytechnic), Tehran, Iran. 0000-0001-7185-2479 Parvin Parviz Department of Energy Engineering and Physics, Amirkabir University of Technology (Tehran Polytechnic), Tehran, Iran. Journal Article 2026 01 30 Hydrogen is widely regarded as a promising clean energy carrier because of its high energy density and carbon-free utilization. This review presents a comprehensive overview of plasma-based techniques for hydrogen generation from water, methane, and other hydrocarbons, with emphasis on laser-induced plasma (LIP), spark discharge-assisted laser-induced plasma (SD-LIP), dielectric barrier discharge (DBD), corona discharge, microwave (MW) plasma, radio-frequency (RF) plasma, and glow/abnormal glow (GA/RGA) discharge systems. These methods provide highly reactive environments that promote molecular dissociation and hydrogen formation under relatively mild conditions. Particular attention is given to hybrid laser–spark approaches, which can enhance plasma density, prolong plasma lifetime, improve conversion efficiency, and reduce energy consumption. The review also compares the main plasma configurations in terms of operating principles, hydrogen yield, efficiency, and practical applicability. Overall, plasma-based routes show strong potential as flexible and sustainable alternatives for next-generation hydrogen generation. https://aest.aut.ac.ir/article_6038_6bb56208f672af0dd65451f869fedfd9.pdf