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The Hydrogen Fuel Alternative

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  31 January 2011

G.W. Crabtree
Affiliation:
Argonne National Laboratory, USA
M.S. Dresselhaus
Affiliation:
Massachusetts Institute of Technology, USA

Abstract

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The cleanliness of hydrogen and the efficiency of fuel cells taken together offer an appealing alternative to fossil fuels. Implementing hydrogen-powered fuel cells on a significant scale, however, requires major advances in hydrogen production, storage, and use. Splitting water renewably offers the most plentiful and climate-friendly source of hydrogen and can be achieved through electrolytic, photochemical, or biological means. Whereas presently available hydride compounds cannot easily satisfy the competing requirements for on-board storage of hydrogen for transportation, nanoscience offers promising new approaches to this challenge. Fuel cells offer potentially efficient production of electricity for transportation and grid distribution, if cost and performance challenges of components can be overcome. Hydrogen offers a variety of routes for achieving a transition to a mix of renewable fuels.

Information

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © Materials Research Society 2008