This new technology has been researched entirely in the UK, and is based on complex hydrides that are highly unstable, usually degrading rapidly in air. In simpler words, it is a nanotech-driven method that encapsulates hydrogen at usable concentrations in micro-capsules, allowing it to be handled and burned in conventional engines without the need to store it in dangerous high-pressure tanks or super-cooled environments.
According to Cella’s website:
Cella Energy have developed a method using a low-cost process called coaxial electrospinning or electrospraying that can trap a complex chemical hydride inside a nano-porous polymer that speeds up the kinetics of hydrogen desorption, reduces the temperature at which the desorption occurs and filters out many if not all of the damaging chemicals. It also protects the hydrides from oxygen and water, making it possible to handle it in air.
Fundamental to the widespread introduction of hydrogen technologies is a low-cost, practical way of storing hydrogen. This is particularly challenging for transport applications, which places stringent requirements on cost, safety, volume and weight. Hydrogen storage is also vital for the smart-grid to operate effectively.
Features and Benefits of the hydrogen-based synthetic fuel:
- low-pressure
- safe
- ambient temperatures
- rapid desorption of hydrogen
- pure hydrogen
- can be handled safely in the open air
- increases revenue for customer
- fast introduction into market
- saves money and time on packaging
- end customer can travel further without refuelling
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