New process produces hydrogen (from methane) at much lower temperature
https://www.waseda.jp/top/en-news/47016[font face=Serif][font size=5]New process produces hydrogen at much lower temperature[/font]
[font size=4]Simpler process and higher efficiency creates great expectations for consumer market[/font]
Thu, 01 Dec 2016
[font size=3]Waseda University researchers have developed a new method for producing hydrogen, which is fast, irreversible, and takes place at much lower temperature using less energy. This innovation is expected to contribute to the spread of fuel cell systems for automobiles and homes.
Hydrogen has normally been extracted from methane and steam using a nickel catalyst at temperatures of over 700°C. However, the high temperature creates major challenges for widespread use.
The group led by Professor Yasushi Sekine, Waseda University Faculty of Science and Engineering, developed a method which allows hydrogen extraction at temperatures as low as 150~200°C. This shift greatly reduces energy input needed to produce hydrogen fuel, extends catalyst life, reduces the cost of construction materials, and reduces complexity of heat-management (cooling) systems.
In this research, the group is the first to explain the mechanism by observing the catalyst during reaction. Protons move quickly through water adsorbed on the catalysts surface, and protons surface hopping allows reaction to proceed at low temperatures. Furthermore, the collision of the protons and the adsorbents prevents reversal of the reaction.
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http://www.nature.com/articles/srep38007