Hydrogen

1. Hydrogen Zoe & Ross

2. Uses • Scientists are very interested in developing hydrogen as a fuel, it burns well with a very clean flame and there is no carbon in the fuel. • Used a coolant in generators due to its specific heat capacity being considerably higher than any other gas. • Used to produce ammonia • The triple point of hydrogen can be used to collaborate some thermometers • Hydrogen gas is used as a shielding gas in atomic hydrogen welding • Hydrogen gas is used to reduce many metallic ores • Can be used to make water

3. Advantages • Hydrogen flames tend to ascend rapidly and cause less damage than hydrocarbon flames. • Non-toxic • Engines using hydrogen will last much longer and start faster in any weather • If liquid hydrogen is spilled it will very quickly evaporate • Hydrogen rises to the top on an indoor environment instead of settling at floor level

4. Disadvantages • When mixed with air and ignited it is very explosive. • Costs a lot to make and store • Prototype fuel cells only last 1/5th as long as would be needed to make fuel cost effective • The atoms are so small they leak

5. How it is made • Hydrogen has to be separated from other elements since it does not exist on it’s own. Hydrogen atoms need to split from water, biomass and natural gas molecules. Common methods used to this are through steam reforming and electrolysis. Steam reforming converts methane into hydrogen and carbon monoxide by reaction with steam over a nickel catalyst. Electrolysis is the process of splitting the hydrogen away from the water. The least expensive way to produce hydrogen is through steam reforming.