Hydrogen is of great importance for the future of clean energy. This simple-structured element, which we encounter almost everywhere, not only does not cause any harmful emissions, but also ensures that the energy obtained from the sun, winds or waves in the sea can be stored.
There is a reason why clean energy studies have not focused directly on hydrogen until now. It is currently not possible to produce enough hydrogen fuel in a practical and pocket-free way. Moreover, to produce hydrogen fuel, we had to use potable water, as if the danger of drought was not at our door. Scientists have developed a prototype that can solve both of these problems.
Prototype of Machine that Produces Hydrogen Fuel from Airborne Water Vapor Revealed
The prototype device developed by the scientists takes the water vapor that creates the humidity in the air and separates the hydrogens and oxygens. It then makes it possible to store hydrogens. Moreover, the humidity level of 4% is sufficient for the device to work, which means that it can be used even in very arid regions.
In this prototype, the researchers actually use electrolysis, a method we’re used to in science classes. Moreover, hydrogen is not technically an extinct element. Even if it forms a compound with another element – as in the case of water – it can be decomposed.
The electrolysis process, of course, needs an electric current. Researchers use electricity from clean energy sources to perform the process and split water into oxygen and hydrogen elements. In the prototype test, the Sun was used as the energy source and five electrolysis systems connected in parallel were activated.
The researchers, who managed to absorb the water vapor that creates the humidity in the air with a sponge-like material, also used this spongy structure as an electrolyte source. Both electrodes (the positive and negative terminal through which the current flows) were isolated from the air. Thus, when the process was completed, pure oxygen and hydrogen were obtained. By experimenting with electrolytes from different materials, the researchers were able to run the system for 12 days with a material that gave satisfactory results in the last attempt.
Drinkable water is a luxury for many regions and clean water resources are decreasing day by day. Therefore, the fact that such a device can operate without consuming clean water is an important plus and a feature that will minimize its impact on the environment.
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