Six processes have been evaluated as regards irreversibility generation for hydrogen separation from binary gas mixtures. The results are presented as a series of plots of separation efficiency against the mol fraction hydrogen in the feed gas. Three processes, condensation, physical absorption and electrochemical separation indicate increasing efficiency with hydrogen content. The other processes, physical and thermal adsorption, and diffusion show maxima in efficiency at a hydrogen content of 50 mol percent. Choice of separation process will also depend on such parameters as condition of feed, impurity content and capital investment. For thermochemical cycles, schemes based on low temperature heat availability are preferable to those requiring a work input.