Inspenet, August 6, 2023.
The potential of the perovskite is extremely promising in the energy industry.
Scientists at the RIKEN Center for the Science of Emerging Matter in Japan have made an important discovery: they have found a new compound that allows ammonia to be stored safely through a chemical reaction. This breakthrough has significant implications, as it could also open up opportunities for hydrogen transport , thus facilitating the transition towards hydrogen-based energy sources and moving away from traditional energy sources.
The safe and efficient storage of hydrogen is an important need in the search for clean energy and ammonia is a promising solution. Since each ammonia molecule contains three hydrogen atoms, which make up around 20% of its total weight, it can transport hydrogen efficiently.
The concept of storing hydrogen within another molecule for controlled release when needed is a promising technique to ensure safe transport and storage of hydrogen. The new compound discovered by the RIKEN Center researchers improves the feasibility of this strategy and is believed to have a significant impact on the decarbonization process globally.
Perovskite: promising element
Although ammonia is considered an efficient hydrogen carrier, its use and storage have been challenging due to its high corrosivity. Currently, the most common methods of storing ammonia involve liquefying it at extremely low temperatures or using porous compounds with limited storage capacity.
However, this situation could change thanks to the discovery of the RIKEN Center researchers, who have discovered that a perovskite material, specifically ethylammonium lead iodide (EAPbI3), can store ammonia highly efficiently at room temperature and pressure . This allows full ammonia recovery at relatively low temperatures and in a simple manner.
Perovskite, upon reaction with ammonia at room temperature and pressure, undergoes a transformation that converts it from its one-dimensional columnar structure to a two-dimensional layered structure known as lead iodide hydroxide, or Pb(OH)I. This discovery could revolutionize the storage and use of ammonia as a hydrogen carrier, overcoming corrosivity challenges and allowing for a safer and more efficient alternative.
Perovskite powder has several advantages, including its ability to be reused and its ability to change color depending on the amount of ammonia stored. In addition, it could be used as a carrier of hydrogen without carbon emissions , which would make it a substitute option for diesel, a traditional energy source that generates high greenhouse gas emissions.
The potential of the perovskite is highly promising and its implications in the energy industry could revolutionize the landscape, surpassing other traditional sources of energy.
On the other hand, stored ammonia can be easily extracted by a simple process that involves heating perovskite powder to as low as 50°C under vacuum conditions, which is a much lower temperature compared to other storage methods.
This ease of recovery is a significant aspect that further increases the appeal of perovskite as a safe and efficient method of storing and transporting ammonia and ultimately hydrogen.
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