Major science breakthrough could see fuel created from 'green rust' to power hydrogen vehicles

As the world moves towards zero emission motoring, hydrogen is seen as a potential solution for transport and is already being used for motor vehicles.

Some of the largest manufacturers in the world are already making use of hydrogen fuel cells as an alternative to battery electric powertrains.

While the uptake of these vehicles remains relatively rare, Hyundai and Toyota have been pushing ahead with the development of this technology.

New research could unlock further uses for hydrogen in the transport sector as experts look to address "one major challenge", namely storing and releasing hydrogen efficiently.

Sodium borohydride (SBH) has already been identified as a promising hydrogen storage material that can generate hydrogen through contact with water.

However, this typically relies on expensive catalysts made from precious metals, including platinum, hampering the production with huge costs and making it unsuitable for large-scale use.

The study, which was published in ACS Catalysis, found that the "green rust" performance catalyst could act as a solution.

The "mixed-valent iron hydroxide mineral" was once considered too unstable for use, with researchers noting that the green rust particles should be modified with a copper solution.

Researchers stated: "This process forms nanoscale copper oxide clusters at the particle’s edges, generating highly active sites for hydrogen production.

"The green rust structure also absorbs sunlight, transferring energy through the copper clusters to boost the reaction’s efficiency even further."

LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:

• Rachel Reeves provides update on Jaguar Land Rover cyber attack - 'We're doing everything we can'
• BYD reaches 'remarkable' UK milestone as Chinese brand continues rapid global expansion
• Labour's 2030 car ban could push thousands off the road as campaigners slam 'patchy' driving rules

Testing of the new catalyst found a "high turnover frequency" for hydrogen production that could even exceed traditional precious metal-based materials.

The catalyst has been praised for its "scalability and practicality", in addition to its operating ability at room temperatures, meaning it is easy to produce and could be adapted into existing methods.

The breakthrough was conducted by researchers from the Layered Nanochemistry Group at MANA, led by group leader Dr Yusuke Ide, along with Mr Ezz-Elregal and Dr Mitsutake Oshikiri.

The team is based at the Research Centre for Materials Nanoarchitectonics (MANA) as part of the National Institute for Materials Science in Tsukuba, Japan.

Commenting on the development, Dr Ide said: "We expect that our catalyst will be used for hydrogen fuel cells in many onboard applications like cars and ships.

"This will hopefully lead to various forms of emission-free mobility," Dr Ide concluded.

While some, like Stellantis, have scrapped their hydrogen fuel cell plans due to a lack of interest in the technology, others, like BMW, are pushing ahead.

The German manufacturer recently unveiled the iX5 Hydrogen, which is expected to be offered to the market in 2028 with an impressive range believed to exceed the 313-mile capacity seen with the previous 2023 model.