Another Hydrogen Article

Another interesting tidbit on a hydrogen economy also at SD - researchers at Penn State have developed a new method of extracting hydrogen from cellulose and other organic materials.

"The researchers used naturally occurring bacteria in a microbial electrolysis cell with acetic acid -- the acid found in vinegar. Acetic acid is also the predominant acid produced by fermentation of glucose or cellulose. The anode was granulated graphite, the cathode was carbon with a platinum catalyst, and they used an off-the-shelf anion exchange membrane. The bacteria consume the acetic acid and release electrons and protons creating up to 0.3 volts. When more than 0.2 volts are added from an outside source, hydrogen gas bubbles up from the liquid."

Water hydrolysis, the most common method of hydrogen production, is only 50 to 70 percent efficient, but this new process is being rated at 144%! The researchers suggest that hydrogen produced from their new method could be added to existing natural gas (methane) supplies to produce a cleaner and more efficient fuel burning energy resource. Couple this breakthrough with the one below, and we could actually see a hydrogen based energy industry finally making an appearance, with all the attendant positive political, environmental and security implications you could hope for the world.

Possible Breakthrough In Hydrogen Tech

via ScienceDaily, the University of Virginia is reporting a novel breakthrough in the materials used in the storage of hydrogen. The new material can store twice as much hydrogen as previously used materials, and store the fuel at room temperature.

“In terms of hydrogen absorption, these materials could prove a world record,” Adam B. Phillips of the University of Virginia said. “Most materials today absorb only 7 to 8 percent of hydrogen by weight, and only at cryogenic [extremely low] temperatures. Our materials absorb hydrogen up to 14 percent by weight at room temperature. By absorbing twice as much hydrogen, the new materials could help make the dream of a hydrogen economy come true.”

The promise of a hyrdogen economy has long proven elusive due to the issues involved in the storage and transportation of the energy source. This new material could have a considerable impact on reformulating the economic dynamics of a hdrogen based energy industry. Huge news.