A team of scientists has found a way to safely store and release hydrogen using a jet fuel made from plant material.
This breakthrough could pave the way for sustainable energy production and make hydrogen easier to use as a clean, high-energy fuel.
In a study published in the International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, researchers, including Professor Bin Yang from Washington State University (WSU), demonstrated that a special lignin-based jet fuel can store hydrogen in a stable liquid form.
Lignin is a natural polymer found in plants, and this fuel was developed from agricultural waste.
“This new technology allows hydrogen to be stored in a sustainable aviation fuel without the need for expensive and bulky pressurized tanks,” said Yang.
“It could make hydrogen storage and transport much more efficient and safe.”
Hydrogen is seen as a key fuel for the future because it produces zero emissions and has a high energy density.
However, its low density and flammable nature make it difficult to store and transport.
To address this, the researchers used chemical reactions with the lignin-based jet fuel to produce stable compounds that can hold hydrogen. When needed, the hydrogen can be released for use.
This discovery builds on earlier work by Yang’s lab, where they developed a continuous process to create lignin jet fuel from agricultural waste.
This fuel not only offers a sustainable alternative to conventional jet fuel but also improves engine performance and reduces pollution-causing chemicals.
The researchers believe this hydrogen storage method has great potential. “It offers compatibility with current infrastructure and could be economically scaled up,” Yang explained. “This innovation could make both sustainable aviation fuel and hydrogen technologies more efficient, safe, and environmentally friendly.”
Next, the team will work with scientists from the University of New Haven to create an AI-driven catalyst to make the hydrogen storage process even more efficient and cost-effective.
This discovery is a big step toward achieving zero-emission transportation and cleaner energy systems for the future.
Source: Washington State University.
