The world is constantly searching for a clean and efficient fuel. In this context, hydrogen has taken a privileged place, materializing in large-scale projects such as the large reserves of white hydrogen or CEPSA’s green fuel. While there are many types, most associate this concept with the green typology.
In this specialized article, we will tell you about turquoise, which is produced thanks to the metal and also harbors incredible potential.
As stated by the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), the element of atomic number 1 “is not a source of energy, but an energy vector, that is, it is a means that allows energy that has been produced by primary energy sources to be stored and released when and where it is demanded”.
Turquoise is generated from methane pyrolysis. A process in which solid carbon is produced. There is no need to capture the resulting carbon.
Hydrogen is rampant: this turquoise fuel never ceases to amaze
H can be obtained from any form of primary energy, and if the primary energy is renewable, the resulting chemical element will be renewable as well. It is achieved with electricity and water.
“Green is mainly produced by electrolysis: electrical energy is used to dissociate or separate the water molecule into oxygen and hydrogen,” says María Retuerto, from the CSIC’s Institute of Catalysis and Petroleum Chemistry.
And he adds: “And the electrical energy is stored as chemical energy in the hydrogen molecule, which can be stored and used in a controlled way.”
The key to its sustainability lies in the materials from which it is generated. If it is created from fossil fuels (oil, coal, natural gas), it will generate polluting emissions.
On the other hand, if this production comes from renewable sources (solar, wind, hydro), the result will be green, that is, clean. The problem is that most H comes from fossil fuels, because, so far, it’s the most efficient and economical way to get it.
Types of Hydrogen
The color of this chemical element determines the way it has been produced and is a key indicator of the number of emissions it generates during its process. These are its types:
Green. The renewable. It appears from water, using electricity that comes from renewable energies. Its production process does not emit gases and, therefore, it is seen as an effective solution to decarbonize different sectors (such as the automotive industry).
Yellow. It is the H in which the electricity used for electrolysis originates from mixed sources, from renewable energy to fossil fuels. The green element that comes from solar energy also falls into this category.
Rose. They are obtained through electrolysis of water powered by nuclear energy. It’s pretty sustainable.
Blue. It generates captured CO2 emissions that are then stored or reused (e.g. to make ecofuels). It is a low-emission element.
White. It is found in nature, usually in gaseous form (h2). Underground deposits can sometimes be found.
Turquoise. It is obtained by pyrolysis of molten metal, fueled by natural gas. In the process, natural gas passes through molten metal. It releases hydrogen and solid carbon, avoiding polluting CO2 emissions.
Black, brown or grey. Its production is achieved from hydrocarbon-rich feedstocks, such as methane gas, coal or other fossil fuels. Specifically, grey is produced from natural gas using the steam reforming technique. Nowadays, there is a tendency to use it less and less.
It is the characteristics of turquoise that lead it to be seen as a fuel that, at some point, could replace the one we usually use. In the meantime, the industry continues to bet on this highly efficient chemical element. Proof of this is the legendary Hyundai Pony Coupé: retro styling from 1974.
SOURCE: ecoticias
Original article in Spanish:
https://www.ecoticias.com/energias-renovables/hidrogeno-combustible
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