UK scientists bring hydrogen cars closer

[Khephra]

UK scientists bring hydrogen cars closer

Tim Radford, science editor
Friday October 15, 2004
The Guardian

British scientists have used nanotechnology to trap and store hydrogen gas for a new generation of fuel cell car engines, they report today.

Hydrogen is the commonest element in the universe. In a fuel cell, it reacts with oxygen from the atmosphere to generate heat and an exhaust of water vapour.

With these cars on the road, there would be no carbon dioxide to fuel global warming, and no toxic fumes to trigger respiratory diseases or make clouds of acid rain.

A new generation of hydrogen-powered buses and cars is at the prototype stage, but there is no efficient, safe way of storing the gas.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk_news/story/0,3604,1328040,00.html

[rooboy]

1. Finally, George W Bush's dream is coming to life. n/t

[cprise]

2. This isn't remotely close to being implemented

The materials being considered for accomplishing this are palladium and carbon nanotubes. I can't imagine having a tankfull of either anytime in the short-midterm future.

[rman]

3. "commonest element in the universe" but quite rare on earth

we'v got hydrogen cars, now all we need is hydrogen.
Yes we can produce it, but we need lots of it and it doesn't grow on trees.