There are some organic molecules that can mimic metals, and hence can provide a solution to the expensive methods of storing hydrogen to power vehicles. But, it is only recently, scientists have identified the molecules and thought to go innovative in using them for making cost-effective hydrogen storage systems.
Ah! So, now fueling hydrogen-powered vehicles seem to go easy and cheaper, and hence more affordable. The researchers led by Guy Bertrand at the University of California at Riverside (UCR) have used carbenes — carbon atom-containing molecules with only six electrons - for demonstrating these organic molecules’ use in storing hydrogen.
The molecules that are used for storing hydrogen are called cyclic alkyl amino carbenes - CAACs - and are capable of splitting hydrogen under extremely mild conditions and also ammonia, which is an extremely difficult task for metals.
Thus, this hydrogen storing process may also give way to producing ammonia, helping to transform abundant and inexpensive ammonia into useful amino compounds, which are used for manufacturing of pharmaceuticals and bulk industrial materials.
This new method of storing hydrogen will not only make hydrogen transportation cheaper, but also hydrogen-powered cars affordable by making hydrogen-storing cost-effective.
The new method, surely will be one of the top challenges for the 21st century, Bertrand believes.
