IISER researchers make solid material that releases two fuel gases

An illustration of a hydrogen pipeline. Hydrogen is emerging as an important new fuel because its combustion does not directly release carbon dioxide. | Photo Credit: Getty Images

Scientists at the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Thiruvananthapuram, have developed a chemical compound that releases hydrogen and methane when heated moderately. Per the team, the work is a step towards new, better methods to store and transport these fuel gases.

The findings were published in Science Advances on October 7.

Both in India and around the world, hydrogen is emerging as an important new fuel because its combustion does not directly release carbon dioxide. However, because of its very low density, hydrogen is very difficult to store and transport and demands the use of expensive technologies.

Scientists have previously proposed blending hydrogen with methane as an intermediary step: while hydrogen burns faster than methane, methane can reduce the risk of flames travelling back into burners or triggering violent detonations. They have also devised ways to store the two fuels as compressed gases and solid materials that can release one or the other gas.