Hydrogen has been touted as the green energy source of the future. The method of hydrogen fuel use relies on the reaction between hydrogen and oxygen over a catalyst to generate water. This reaction does not evolve any toxins or carbon oxides. Currently, industrial production utilizes hydrocarbons and methane (nonrenewable sources) to generate hydrogen [1]. This technology is far from mature. The current method and most proposed methods of hydrogen production generate carbon dioxide. If hydrogen is produced from biomass, these technologies could be carbon neutral. Although fuel cells are not used on a large scale today, NASA employs hydrogen fuel cells to power spacecrafts. Presently, industrial applications for hydrogen include food processing, refining, and metal treatment [2]. These processes account for the majority of hydrogen consumption.
[1] Barelli, L., Bidini, G., Gallorini, F., and Servili, S., 2008, Envergy 33 , 554-570.
[2] http://www.eia.doe.gov/kids/energyfacts/sources/IntermediateHydrogen.html#UsesOfHydrogen |