The search for new technology that will make a transition to a future economy possible with significantly less carbon dioxide emissions than today is one of the greatest challenges of our time for researchers. Here, hydrogen gas plays a central role. Neutrons are the only tools researchers have at their disposal to study hydrogen in detail.

Recently, the discovery of new material for the storage of hydrogen gas was made, a technique that is considered to play a key role in cleaner transportation with lower carbon dioxide emissions. The discovery was the result of international cooperation within the IPHE (International Partnership for the Hydrogen Economy), however the results of research most critical to the discovery were obtained through neutron research at the British ISIS Laboratory.

So-called fuel-cells are central to the development of the future hydrogen economy. Fuel-cells are a type of “battery”, which must be continuously filled with hydrogen gas in order to function. When hydrogen gas and oxygen react, this is converted into electricity and heat. The only exhaust gas is pure water.

At present, fuel-cells are being developed for many different purposes; everything from the heating of housing and operation of vehicles to thumbnails for laptop computers and telephones. However, in most areas there are delays before the discoveries can be converted into commercially marketable products.

Today, the technology for using fuel-cells in cars and other vehicles is not completely developed. Materials development is required in order to acquire better electrolytes and catalysts. Studies on an atomic level will increase understanding as to how hydrogen works. Hence, neutron research can have a significant role in the development of the future hydrogen economy.