Fuel cells may be the energy source of the future, but hydrogen storage is a major issue. Low pressure metal hydride canisters are currently the most popular storage option for fuel cells. There are a plethora of options available, each with their pros and cons. However, the formic acid storage option offers a stable way to hold hydrogen for long periods of time in the chemical HCOOH. A ruthenium catalyst can separate the bonds to form H2 and CO2. Release of carbon dioxide is not an attractive thing to do for an green alternative energy source.
A team from the Leibnitz Institute for Catalysis, Germany, lead by Matthais Beller have created a CO2 free hydrogen storage option based on the formic acid solution. In their solution a ruthenium catalyst is still used as the hydrogen is released CO2. is captured in the form of a bicarbonates, aka baking powder, baking soda, sherbet, or NaHCO3. After the hydrogen is removed at room temperature, the leftover bicarbonate can be reloaded with hydrogen. The solid is portable and safe. Not mentioned is the energy density per gram of the solid, but it is a solid step in a new direction.
Eavesdropper
Picture via Leibniz Institute for Organic Catalysis at the University of Rostock (IfOK)
