Scientists from the University of Glasgow have taken a step forward in the search for a source of cheap, clean and renewable energy.
A paper from chemists at the university claims to have found a new method of allowing larger quantities of hydrogen to be produced at atmospheric pressure using lower power loads, similar to those produced by renewable power sources.
This new development, which involves the production of hydrogen from water, is said to produce hydrogen 30 times faster than any current method.
Currently, hydrogen relies heavily on fossil fuels for the process of electrolysis that uses electricity to release hydrogen from water in a gas form.
Leader of the research team, Professor Lee Cronin of the University of Glasgow, said: “The process uses a liquid that allows the hydrogen to be locked up in a liquid-based inorganic fuel. By using a liquid sponge known as a redox mediator that can soak up electrons and acid we’ve been able to create a system where hydrogen can be produced in a separate chamber without any additional energy input after the electrolysis of water takes place.”
The report, which was officially published today, was produced as part of Glasgow University’s Solar Fuel Group, which looks to produce fuel from solar power.
Professor Cronin added: “Around 95% of the world’s hydrogen supply is currently obtained from fossil fuels, a finite resource which we know harms the environment and speeds climate change. Some of this hydrogen is used to make ammonia fertilizer and as such, fossil hydrogen helps feed more than half of the world’s population.”
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