Wax: A benign hydrogen-storage material that rapidly releases H₂-rich gases through microwave-assisted catalytic decomposition.

ABSTRACT: Hydrogen is often described as the fuel of the future, especially for application in hydrogen powered fuel-cell vehicles (HFCV's). However, its widespread implementation in this role has been thwarted by the lack of a lightweight, safe, on-board hydrogen storage material. Here we show that benign, readily-available hydrocarbon wax is capable of rapidly releasing large amounts of hydrogen through microwave-assisted catalytic decomposition. This discovery offers a new material and system for safe and efficient hydrogen storage and could facilitate its application in a HFCV. Importantly, hydrogen storage materials made of wax can be manufactured through completely sustainable processes utilizing biomass or other renewable feedstocks.

SUBMITTER: Gonzalez-Cortes S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5069496 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature