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In recent developments, researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi (IIT-D) have proposed an innovative method to extract clean hydrogen fuel from water at a lower cost. This breakthrough is part of global attempts to find greener and more sustainable energy sources. As a potential replacement for fossil fuels, hydrogen gas could significantly contribute to emission reduction and pollution mitigation.
Understanding the Development
Scientists at IIT-D have managed to divide water using a process known as Sulphur-Iodine (SI) thermochemical hydrogen cycle, enabling the production of low-cost, clean hydrogen fuel for industrial application. Traditionally, the SI Cycle needs a significant amount of heat to separate Hydrogen from oxygen, usually obtained from non-renewable sources such as coal, oil, and natural gas. However, depending solely on these sources could render large-scale production economically unstable and environmentally harmful.
The key success of this effort is the creation of an effective catalyst that can handle the corrosive transition of sulphuric acid into sulphur-dioxide and oxygen, a process that is incredibly energy-intensive.
Sulfur-Iodine Cycle Process
The sulfur–iodine cycle is a three-step thermochemical method for producing hydrogen. All the chemicals used in this cycle are reusable, demanding an efficient heat source. It starts with high-temperature endothermic chemical reactions and ends with a low-temperature exothermic response when acquiring hydrogen gas.
The Three-Step Thermochemical Cycle
The first stage involves reacting iodide (I2) with Sulphur dioxide (SO2) to generate Hydriodic acid (HI) and Sulphuric acid (H2SO4). The second step separates water, SO2, and residual H2SO4 from the oxygen byproduct through condensation to produce Hydriodic acid (HI). Finally, Hydrogen gas (H2) is extracted from the Hydriodic acid (HI).
A significant challenge in the sulfur–iodine cycle is to lessen the surplus of water and iodine and pinpoint separation processes that use less energy than distillation. The SI cycle has traditionally been used by several countries in conjunction with Generation IV nuclear reactors for hydrogen production.
The Importance of the Discovery
This development could significantly influence Hydrogen fuel cell technology, promoting its usage in areas such as electric vehicles, commercial and residential backup power sources, and even air taxis. A hydrogen fuel cell acts as an electrochemical power generator that combines hydrogen and oxygen to generate electricity, releasing water and heat as by-products.
Furthermore, this discovery could aid India in adhering to its commitment under the Paris Climate Agreement and its Intended Nationally Determined Contribution (INDC) Targets. It thus ensures a future where mobility comes with zero emissions.
This breakthrough also complements the FAME India Scheme, launched to support hybrid/electric vehicle market development and the manufacturing ecosystem.
Assessing Hydrogen as Fuel
Hydrogen holds several advantages as a fuel source. When combined with oxygen, it only produces water and heat, emitting no greenhouse gases or other particulates. Being non-toxic, it poses no harm to human health. Also, it’s highly efficient, capable of carrying a large amount of energy for every pound of fuel, making it ideal for spaceships.
However, there are certain drawbacks to its use. Hydrogen lacks smell, complicating leak detection. Furthermore, due to its highly flammable nature, transportation and storage of hydrogen present substantial challenges.