Hydrogen Generation for Fuel

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Abstract Alternative energy production has enjoyed the focus of intense research for decades. Despite the glut of fossil fuels available to burn for cheap, quick energy, alternative fuels continue to capture our interests for the promise of a cleaner and healthier future.  Unfortunately, the cost of realizing that cleaner future remains stubbornly high. Although solar energy and wind energy have steadily improved towards cost competitiveness, the potential to burn hydrogen and oxygen and produce only water as “waste” still holds great promise for the clean future energy we imagine. One of the main challenges with this technique is to inexpensively source hydrogen and oxygen with common and non-toxic catalyst materials. A team of material scientists at NC State has started to develop structured materials designed specifically for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) made from a material called molybdenum disulfide (MoS2). Although MoS2 nanomaterials have been previously developed, our process for developing the sheets is a cheaper and simpler method, and has been shown to be an effective catalyst when compared to the common alternative, platinum. Even under initial testing they have been shown to be relatively durable. This process uses a well-known material production technique to deposit the engineered structures on conductive substrates. Only two chemicals (sulfur and molybdenum chloride) are used in the production, along with the heat of the furnace, which is another example of our simplified process. These electrocatalysts could be used to generate hydrogen, which could then be used to generate energy. This technology is great for entrepreneurs who are eager to realize a cleaner, greener energy future and imagine the benefit of fuels sourced from water which produce only water when used. Unlike alternative forms of energy generation such as wind and solar, these fuels can be produced at all times. The hydrogen that is collected can also easily be stored for long durations and used on demand. Advantages Inexpensive and simple production process Produced hydrogen, which can be stored for long duration without waste or stock reduction and can be spent on demand Can produce energy at all times Patent Protection Published US patent application (Pub. No. US 2014/0353166 A1) Technology #13176s Categories Chemical Catalyst Inorganic Energy Alternative Fuel Cell Materials Nanoparticle Thin Film