Hydrogen: this discovery could upset the entire industry

Researchers at Deakin University in Australia have succeeded in storinghydrogen in powder form, which is both easier and safer to transport. At any time, it is possible to restore its gaseous appearance, simply by heating this powder. This discovery could upset the entire industry and open up new development prospects for energies say clean.

This new process is described in the scientific journal Materials Today. And since it’s about separating, storing and transporting huge quantities of gas safely and without wastethis technique could perfectly adapt to thehydrogen.

Here, the researchers succeeded in perfecting an original and unprecedented technique for separation and gas storage. To achieve this, they used powdered boron nitridewhich has a very high capacity ofabsorption. During the process, this powder is placed in a grinder containing small balls in stainless steel. The collision of these balls with the powder and the wall of the chamber then triggers a mechano-chemical reaction which gradually leads to the absorption of the gas by the powder. Note that this solution does not require harsh chemicals and does not create any by-products.

A demonstration validated in the laboratory

Once absorbed in this material, the gas can then be transported easily and safely. It will then suffice to heat the powder under vacuum to release the gas in a perfectly unchanged form.

Such a process makes it possible in theory to be able to storehydrogen (or other gases) anywhere and use it whenever needed. For the moment, the success of this method has only been demonstrated in the laboratory. The next step will therefore be to validate it with the industry to develop apps practice.

As a reminder, the current method of storing thehydrogen consists in using a tank with high pressure or even to cool the gas down to its form liquid. However, these methods involve relatively hazardous processes and chemicals.