Catalytic membrane reactors equipped with a microporous inorganic membrane have attracted a considerable amount of research interest as an alternative to the current industrial processes for hydrogen production. The present article focuses on the state of the art in the development of silica-based catalytic membrane reactors for hydrogen production from energy carriers. Highly promising energy carriers for the storage and transportation of hydrogen are illustrated. Recent advances in high-performance silica-based microporous membranes for use in hydrogen separation are highlighted. Experimental and theoretical investigations into the application of silica-based catalytic membrane reactors for the dehydrogenation of energy carriers including ammonia, cyclohexane and methylcyclohexane are discussed. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.