New process produces hydrogen at much lower temperature

New process produces hydrogen at much lower temperature
Illustration of proton hopping during catalytic reaction. Credit: Waseda University

Waseda University researchers have developed a new method for producing hydrogen that is fast, irreversible, and takes place at much lower temperatures using less energy. This innovation is expected to contribute to the spread of fuel cell systems for automobiles and homes.

Hydrogen has normally been extracted from methane and steam using a at temperatures of over 700°C. However, the high temperature creates major challenges for widespread use.

The group led by Professor Yasushi Sekine, Waseda University Faculty of Science and Engineering, developed a method that allows hydrogen extraction at temperatures as low as 150~200°C. This shift greatly reduces the energy input needed to produce , extends catalyst life, reduces the cost of construction materials, and reduces complexity of heat-management (cooling) systems.

Although the research group had already reported that a fast reaction would be possible even in the range of 150~200°C by applying a weak electric field (surface protonics), the mechanism has not been fully understood.

In this research, the group is the first to explain the mechanism by observing the catalyst during reaction. Protons move quickly through water adsorbed on the catalyst's surface, and surface-hopping protons allow the reaction to proceed at . Furthermore, the collision of the protons and the adsorbates prevents reversal of the reaction.

This research is not only applicable to commercial hydrogen production, but also to many consumer products, since the same mechanism makes it possible to lower the temperature for various reactions involving or water. The process is already being applied to research for improving energy efficiency in automobiles by creating reactions between exhaust gases and fuel at low .

More information: R. Manabe et al. Surface Protonics Promotes Catalysis, Scientific Reports (2016). DOI: 10.1038/srep38007

Journal information: Scientific Reports

Provided by Waseda University

Citation: New process produces hydrogen at much lower temperature (2016, December 1) retrieved 28 March 2024 from https://phys.org/news/2016-12-hydrogen-temperature.html
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