A team of researchers from Peking University and Cardiff University has made a breakthrough in hydrogen production. After using a bimetallic catalyst in a process to obtain hydrogen from bioethanol , the entire procedure was carried out without generating direct CO₂ emissions .
A more efficient and environmentally friendly process
Hydrogen production using conventional processes requires extremely high temperatures, between 400 and 600 °C, which implies high energy consumption and a high release of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.
However, the new catalyst developed by the researchers is programmed to operate up to 270 °C, a much lower temperature, which reduces energy use and eliminates CO₂ emissions as a final byproduct.
This process produces hydrogen and simultaneously generates high-value acetic acid , a compound used in multiple industries, such as food preservation, pharmaceuticals and household cleaning products.
The defossilization of the chemical industry
This breakthrough is driving the defossilisation of the chemical industry , a sector that has historically depended on fossil raw materials. Green hydrogen , obtained by this method, is presented as an alternative to reduce CO₂ emissions in the production of chemical products.
According to the International Energy Agency , around 96% of hydrogen produced worldwide still relies on fossil fuels, which contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions.
Hydrogen is widely considered as a way to achieve these ambitions because it is produced from natural gas. However, it is energy intensive and of course, when created using traditional methods, it produces large amounts of carbon dioxide, limiting its environmental benefits. Our study offers a new pathway that enables high-performance hydrogen production without CO2 emissions.
Graham Hutchings, Regents Professor of Chemistry at Cardiff University.
A major breakthrough in hydrogen production
The article, titled Thermal catalytic reforming for hydrogen production with zero CO₂ emissions , was published in the prestigious journal Science , and opens up new opportunities for the efficient and sustainable production of clean energy and chemicals.
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Source and photo: Cardiff University
