Hydrogen Economy
Articles tagged with Hydrogen Economy
Local water supply crucial to success of hydrogen initiative in Europe
A new study from Chalmers University finds that local water supply is critical to the success of Europe's hydrogen initiative, with some regions facing severe water shortages if production is not planned carefully. The research suggests that areas like Sweden's Sörmland and Roslagen could be hard-pressed even without hydrogen production.
Scientists use sunlight and liquid metal to produce clean hydrogen from water
Researchers have created a process to produce clean hydrogen from freshwater and seawater using liquid metals powered by sunlight. The method avoids many obstacles in current hydrogen production methods, including the need for purified water and high costs. The team is working to improve efficiency for commercialization.
Controlling magnetism to unlock better hydrogen storage alloys
A team of researchers from Tohoku University's WPI-AIMR has developed a new class of hydrogen storage alloys that can store large amounts of hydrogen while remaining thermodynamically stable. By controlling magnetism, the researchers were able to design materials that combine high hydrogen capacity with good stability.
Bottleneck in hydrogen distribution jeopardises billions in clean energy
A bottleneck in hydrogen distribution is jeopardizing billions in clean energy due to slower development of pipeline networks and liquefaction plants. This critical issue could undermine major investment programs and make hydrogen uncompetitive if addressed.
Novel electrode could improve affordability of hydrogen fuel
A new anion-exchange-membrane water electrolyzer technology has been developed to address the degradation issue in membrane electrolyzers. This innovation combines the efficiency of simple caustic or alkaline electrolytes with the low-cost material advantages of solid polymer membranes.
Engineers slash iridium use in electrolyzer catalyst by 80%, boosting path to affordable green hydrogen
Researchers at Rice University developed a new catalyst that reduces iridium needed in proton exchange membrane water electrolyzers, maintaining industrial-level performance for over 1,500 hours. The innovation uses just one-sixth as much iridium as conventional systems, addressing a significant economic and supply chain bottleneck.
First 3D real-time imaging of hydrogen’s effect on stainless steel defects opens the way to a safer hydrogen economy
Researchers used advanced X-ray imaging to track how tiny defects in stainless steel respond to hydrogen exposure. The study revealed three key changes once hydrogen was introduced, allowing internal defects to move more easily and leading to unexpected failure in metals.
More hydrogen, more ammonia, more fertilizer, all using less energy
Researchers at RIKEN have developed a mechanochemical method to increase hydrogen saturation in perovskite powder, doubling its capacity. This discovery has significant implications for environmental sustainability and the potential for a hydrogen-based economy, as it enables more efficient production of ammonia fertilizer.
Revealing the secrets to good catalytic performance in metal sulfides
Researchers at Institute of Science Tokyo discovered that metal sulfides with seven to eight d electrons show superior catalytic activity. This volcano-shaped relationship provides guidelines for designing more effective catalysts, accelerating the development of efficient water-splitting catalysts for green hydrogen production.
Green hydrogen from Africa much more costly than previously assumed
A new study by TUM reveals that African green hydrogen production is much more costly than previously assumed, with only 2% of investigated locations being competitive. To make exports to Europe viable, governments and policymakers must provide price and offtake guarantees.
Stronger and safer: New design strategy for aluminium combines strength with hydrogen embrittlement resistance
Researchers have developed a new alloy design strategy that combines exceptional strength with superior resistance to hydrogen embrittlement. The approach enables dual nanoprecipitates to trap hydrogen and enhance strength, resulting in a 40% increase in strength and a five-fold improvement in hydrogen embrittlement resistance.
The Texas hydrogen industry needs water, new study provides details on how much
A new study by the University of Texas at Austin estimates that by 2050, new hydrogen production facilities in Texas could account for 2-6.8% of water demand in the state, disproportionately affecting water-stressed regions like the Gulf Coast.
Study outlines key role of national and EU policy to control emissions from German hydrogen economy
The study evaluates climate-warming emissions in Germany's future hydrogen economy and provides recommendations for policymakers to minimize impacts. Hydrogen production emits methane, carbon dioxide, and hydrogen itself, with global warming potential more than eleven times higher than CO2.
University of Houston leads collaborative effort to improve Gulf Coast workforce development and community benefits in the unfolding energy transition
The University of Houston-led project aims to provide training and resources for jobs in the new hydrogen economy, prioritizing underserved communities. The team will create a publicly available online toolkit to facilitate community engagement and equitable access to emerging jobs.
Where should hydrogen be produced in the future?
The study predicts that regions like Canada, the central US, Australia, and parts of Africa are ideal for future hydrogen production. These areas have sufficient wind resources, open spaces, and low solar radiation levels to support electrolysis-based hydrogen production.
Pacific Northwest launches clean hydrogen energy hub
The Pacific Northwest is launching a clean hydrogen economy with a $27.5 million Department of Energy funding award. The project aims to develop and market economical clean hydrogen power solutions to meet the United States' clean energy goal while ensuring at least 40% of the benefits flow to disadvantaged communities.
A single-molecule-based organic porous material with great potential for efficient ammonia storage
Researchers developed a crystalline solid that can adsorb and release ammonia, making it easy to recover. The material's high density and ease of desorption make it a promising solution for efficient hydrogen storage.
Could lead overcome reverse current and advance a green hydrogen economy?
A new catalyst with a lead coating enhances the performance of a nickel-based hydrogen evolution reaction catalyst, increasing efficiency and resisting reverse current. This breakthrough could improve the durability of alkaline water electrolysis systems and support a green hydrogen economy.
Researchers examine economic effects on technological advancements of blue hydrogen production
Researchers estimate the expected outcomes in long-term expenses as those hydrogen production pathways evolve. The study concludes that experience from deploying blue hydrogen projects will help lower future costs, while extended tax incentives for carbon sequestration can significantly reduce costs further.
Manganese sprinkled with iridium: a quantum leap in green hydrogen production
Researchers at RIKEN have developed a new catalyst that reduces the amount of iridium required for hydrogen production, achieving 82% efficiency and sustaining production for over 4 months. The breakthrough could revolutionize ecologically friendly hydrogen production and pave the way for a carbon-neutral energy economy.
Longer-lasting and more sustainable green hydrogen production
Researchers at RIKEN have improved the stability of a green hydrogen production process by using a custom-made catalyst, increasing its lifetime by almost 4,000 times. The breakthrough uses earth-abundant materials, making it more sustainable and potentially cost-effective for widespread industrial use.
Revolutionizing hydrogen production: Economical and efficient solutions unveiled
Researchers from Pohang University of Science & Technology developed an economical and efficient water electrolysis catalyst using oblique angle deposition method and nickel. The catalyst resulted in a remarkable 55-fold improvement in hydrogen production efficiency compared to traditional thin film structures.
Powering the future: Unlocking the role of hydrogen in lithium-ion batteries
Researchers investigate how LiCoO2 materials store and release hydrogen at room temperature, revealing insights into the degradation process. The study paves the way for more efficient batteries and low-energy production of hydrogen through water splitting.
New material allows for better hydrogen-based batteries and fuel cells
Researchers have developed a solid electrolyte that allows for efficient hydride ion conduction at room temperature, enabling the creation of safer, more efficient hydrogen-based batteries and fuel cells. This breakthrough provides material design guidelines for the development of next-generation energy storage solutions.
Pacific Northwest set to launch hydrogen energy hub
The Pacific Northwest is launching a hydrogen energy hub with a $7 billion investment from the Department of Energy. PNNL's expertise will support the development of clean hydrogen production and integration with renewable energy sources in Washington, Oregon, and Montana.
Green hydrogen could reach economic viability by co-production of valuable chemicals
Researchers have discovered a way to make solar hydrogen production economically viable by co-producing high-value chemicals like methylsuccinic acid. By coupling the photoelectrochemical (PEC) process with hydrogenation, the cost of hydrogen drops significantly, making it competitive with fossil gas.
Math enables blending hydrogen in natural gas pipelines
A new study uses nonlinear partial differential equations to model the transportation of hydrogen-heterogeneous mixtures through pipeline systems, ensuring predictable operations. The research proposes injecting hydrogen gradually into existing natural gas pipelines to maximize their utility in reducing carbon-emitting fossil fuels.
Graphene discovery could help generate hydrogen cheaply and sustainably
Researchers from The University of Warwick and The University of Manchester have solved the long-standing puzzle of why graphene is permeable to protons. Protons are strongly accelerated around nanoscale wrinkles in perfect graphene crystals, which could lead to more sustainable hydrogen production.
New supply chain model to empower seabound hydrogen economy
A new supply chain model has been developed to guide the transportation of hydrogen and its embodied energy, enabling more efficient exports of renewable energy. The model suggests that methanol shows great promise as a chemical carrier for exporting renewable energy from Australia at low costs.
How solid air can spur sustainable development
A new paper proposes solidifying air as a medium to reduce energy consumption and costs in transporting hydrogen by sea. The process, called Solid Air Hydrogen Liquefaction (SAHL), has the potential to lower energy consumption for liquefying hydrogen by 25-50%.
Artificial photosynthesis for environmentally friendly food production
Researchers at TUM have successfully developed a method to produce the essential amino acid L-alanine from CO2 using synthetic enzymes and green methanol. This process requires significantly less space than traditional methods and can be powered by renewable energy sources, making it an important step towards more sustainable agriculture.
Brazilian researchers describe promising method to optimize and scale up production of fuel cell input
Researchers have developed a novel process to convert nitrogen and hydrogen into ammonia at ambient temperature and pressure with high energy efficiency. The process uses a solid polymeric electrolyte and eliminates the need for purification, producing pure ammonia gas.
Switching to hydrogen fuel could prolong the methane problem
Researchers from Princeton University found that hydrogen emissions can lead to an increase in atmospheric methane, canceling out climate benefits. They identified thresholds for managing hydrogen emissions to avoid this consequence.
Facile and scalable production of a fuel-cell nanocatalyst for the hydrogen economy
A novel method has been developed to produce platinum-based alloy nanoparticles for efficient hydrogen fuel cells. The nanocatalysts exhibit enhanced power performance and stability, with high specific rated power of 5.9 kW/g Pt, surpassing 2025 targets set by the U.S. Department of Energy.
Rice lab’s catalyst could be key for hydrogen economy
The new catalyst uses energy from light to convert ammonia into clean-burning hydrogen fuel, breaking the need for heat and potentially reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The discovery paves the way for sustainable, low-cost hydrogen production locally rather than in massive centralized plants.
How fine bubbles lead to more efficient catalysts
The formation of fine bubbles in catalyst pores enhances gas generation reactions from liquid phase systems. This leads to a significant increase in the release of hydrogen per unit time, making the technology more compact and powerful. The discovery provides new insights into performance-limiting factors in heterogeneous catalysis.
New catalyst can turn smelly hydrogen sulfide into a cash cow
Rice University engineers have developed a method to convert hydrogen sulfide into high-demand hydrogen gas and sulfur in a single step using gold nanoparticles. The process gets all its energy from light, offering a cost-effective alternative to traditional remediation methods.
Green hydrogen: Faster progress with modern X-ray sources
Researchers at Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin for Materials and Energy are utilizing X-ray absorption spectroscopy to investigate oxygen evolution in electrocatalysis. This study aims to improve the efficiency of green hydrogen production by developing more stable and cost-effective catalysts.
New tech aims to drive down costs of hydrogen fuel
Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed a new technique for extracting hydrogen gas from liquid carriers, making it faster, less expensive and more energy efficient. The new method uses sunlight and a reusable photocatalyst to release hydrogen molecules, reducing the need for rhodium and lowering production costs.
What will a CO2-neutral Switzerland cost us?
A study published in Frontiers in Energy Research calculates the costs of a CO2-neutral Switzerland, finding that three different energy systems would require significant investments and increased energy costs. The most efficient option is electrifying the entire energy supply, but this comes with the challenge of storing enough renewa...
Improved water splitting method: A green energy innovation by Pusan National University
Researchers at Pusan National University have developed a novel electrocatalyst that can effectively produce hydrogen and oxygen from water at low cost. The catalyst, composed of transition metal phosphates, achieves high surface area and fast charge transfer, making it suitable for commercial on-site production of hydrogen.
A clean US hydrogen economy is within reach, but needs a game plan, energy researchers say
A clean US hydrogen economy is achievable but requires a comprehensive strategy and infrastructure development. The US needs to consider the production, transport, storage, use, and economic viability of hydrogen to make it viable on a societal scale.
Closing the hydrogen economic loop
Ovshinsky explains that we have the means to produce hydrogen from renewable resources in a sustainable way and store it effectively. This technology enables the entire loop of hydrogen generation, storage, and use to be carried out now.
New reactor puts hydrogen from renewable fuels within reach
Researchers at the University of Minnesota have developed a new reactor that can convert ethanol into a form of hydrogen from renewable fuels. This process has the potential to reduce carbon dioxide emissions and increase the efficiency of fuel cells, making it a promising solution for a sustainable energy future.