Scientists have developed a new way to create hydrogen that eliminates the production of CO₂ emissions entirely. The international team made up of researchers from China and Wales in the United Kingdom is working on a unique process that results in an entirely different byproduct being generated that’s actually useful and valuable, making the breakthrough even more significant.
A third positive aspect in terms of renewable energy solutions is that the product as the basis for the hydrogen is sustainably sourced, and all these factors combine to make the new process an extremely attractive clean fuel option for the future.
The renewable energy sector has a new hydrogen production process to develop
The team’s findings have been published in the scientific journal Science and the world is taking note of how they’ve managed to produce clean hydrogen from sustainably sourced bioethanol and water. The bioethanol is derived from agricultural waste, and when combined with water and a newly developed bimetallic catalyst at 580°F, hydrogen is created without releasing any carbon dioxide.
The elimination of CO₂ emissions in the new process is the first major positive spinoff. Traditional energy-intensive hydrogen production methods involve temperatures of 752°F to 932°F and large amounts of CO₂ are generated, but the way the catalyst works in the new method shifts the chemical reaction to a degree that carbon dioxide is not a byproduct.
The International Energy Agency (IEA) estimates that 96% of global hydrogen production involves the burning of fossil fuels, emitting nine to 12 tons of CO₂ per ton of hydrogen. These are high rates that require immediate intervention to mitigate.
Acetic acid replaces CO₂ as a byproduct
Instead of carbon dioxide, the researchers from Cardiff University and Peking University report that acetic acid is produced. This organic liquid has several uses, such as in food preservation, as an ingredient in household cleaning products, in manufacturing, and in medicine.
Acetic acid is a high-value product. Global consumption exceeds 15 million tons a year. A process that produces both this and hydrogen is a valuable one.
Hydrogen is growing in popularity as a fuel option in vehicle engine development, and it’s expected that the demand will grow in line with the many top auto manufacturers moving in this direction.
Decarbonization of the chemical industry needs to be boosted, researchers say
The Welsh and Chinese scientists working on the hydrogen-acetic acid study say it represents a step forward in the elimination of fossil fuels in the chemical industry. The findings pave the way forward for carbon-neutral hydrogen production and the formulation of a circular economy model for co-producing hydrogen and high-value chemicals from a biomass source.
Co-author Graham Hutchings, Regius Professor of Chemistry at Cardiff University, said:
“Finding sustainable ways of creating the products we need for everyday life and to meet net zero ambitions for the future is a key challenge facing the chemical industry. By co-creating [hydrogen and acetic acid] in tandem, the innovation could serve as a low-carbon alternative for industries such as acetate fiber manufacturing and pharmaceutical intermediates going forward.”
Lead author Professor Ding Ma of Peking University highlighted the carbon-neutral aspect:
“This innovative catalytic technology holds considerable promise for advancing the green hydrogen economy and supporting global carbon neutrality goals.”
The team has been working on their collaborative project for more than 10 years through research on metal-carbide catalysts for hydrogen production. The study results appear positive and no significant challenges have cropped up so far. It’s expected that a lot more research and development will need to take place before this method of hydrogen generation makes a noteworthy difference in the worldwide generation of carbon emissions.
However, with so many benefits and so few shortcomings, it’s expected that development of this carbon-neutral hydrogen production process will be expedited.