Researchers at Deakin University in Australia have made a discovery that could well and truly revolutionize the energy industry. The subject of this experiment: the amazing combination of hydrogen and boron nitride powder.
This scientific advance would thus make it possible to store hydrogen in the form of powder, a more stable state which thus facilitates its transport. An innovation that comes at the right time for the Australian state, which is experiencing a historic gas shortage.
A chemical and mechanical process at the same time
This discovery is based on a chemical reaction induced by the absorption of mechanical energy, we then speak of mechanochemistry. In practice, the boron nitride will be placed in powder form in a rotating tank, to which metal balls are added. Then, the tank will rotate at high speed, allowing the storage of gas in the powder placed beforehand. Here is a diagram describing this process, also called ” ball miling “.
Australian researchers found that by relying on this process and adding the right pressure conditions, it was possible to store hydrogen in boron nitride, all at room temperature.
To recover the gas, the scientists will heat the powder obtained under suction, thus closing the cycle. A revolution for the storage of this gas, as stated by Professor Chen, Director of the nanotechnology sector at Deakin: “ The current method of storing hydrogen is to use a high pressure tank or to cool the gas down to its liquid form. Both of these methods require large amounts of energy, as well as hazardous processes and chemicals. “.
An interesting return for the industry
Beyond hydrogen, this mechanochemical reaction could replace the cryogenic process currently used in the petroleum industry. The energy efficiency would be on paper 90% lower than this method. Stunning results, which prompted the researchers to validate the results obtained dozens of times over.
A new horizon would therefore be possible for the oil industry. As a reminder, the cryogenic process represents around 15% of the energy used in the world.
And then ? It’s about finding a working application for industry, as Dr. Chen’s words show: “ To go from the laboratory to a larger industrial scale, we must verify that this process is economical, more efficient and faster than traditional methods of gas separation and storage. “. A case to follow.
Sources: Interesting Engineering, Korii
25