Hydrogen Economy: A Small Review

In the context of a hydrogen economy, hydrogen is an energy carrier, not a primary energy source (see nuclear fusion for an entirely separate discussion of using hydrogen isotopes as an atomic energy source). Nevertheless, controversy over the usefulness of a hydrogen economy has been confused by issues of energy sourcing, including fossil fuel use, global warming, and sustainable energy generation.

Proponents of a world-scale hydrogen economy show that hydrogen can be an environmentally cleaner source of energy to end-users, particularly in transportation applications, without release of pollutants (such as particulate matter) or greenhouse gases at the point of end use. Analyses have concluded that "most of the hydrogen supply chain pathways would release significantly less carbon dioxide into the atmosphere than would gasoline used in hybrid electric vehicles" and that significant reductions in carbon dioxide emissions would be possible if carbon capture or carbon sequestration methods were utilized at the site of energy or hydrogen production.[…]

Hydrogen Storage In Nanoparticles Works: ‘Outlook For Hydrogen Cars Improved’. Chemists have now demonstrated that hydrogen can be efficiently stored in nanoparticles. This allows hydrogen storage to be more easily used in mobile applications such as futuristic hydrogen cars. 30 nanometer particles of the metal hydride sodium alanate make the favorable extraction and storage of hydrogen possible.[1]. Another interesting finding is “Silicon Nanotubes For Hydrogen Storage In Fuel Cell Vehicles”. After powering the micro-electronics revolution, silicon could carve out an important new role in speeding the debut of ultra-clean fuel cell vehicles powered by hydrogen, researchers in China suggest. Their calculations show for the first time that silicon nanotubes can store hydrogen more efficiently than their carbon nanotube counterparts.[2]. Promising Step Towards More Effective Hydrogen Storage, Scientists have demonstrated an atomistic mechanism of hydrogen release in magnesium nanoparticles -- a potential hydrogen storage material.[3]. Improved Ion Mobility Is Key To New Hydrogen Storage Compound, A materials scientist has deciphered the structure of a new class of materials that can store relatively large quantities of hydrogen. The new analysis may point to a practical hydrogen storage material for automobile fuel cells and similar applications.[4]