Danish scientists have come up with a novel way to store hydrogen fuel: in tablet form.

Researchers from the Technical University of Denmark (DTU) claim to have found an effective way of storing the gas hydrogen that would enable it to be used as fuel in vehicles.

At present, hydrogen is a green alternative to petrol, but has proved difficult to use because it takes up a lot of space and is flammable.

Now scientists have shown that it can be stored in tablet form; a move that could have large consequences for the future of transport.

"Before, the amount of hydrogen needed to fuel a passenger vehicle for 500km occupied the same space as nine passenger vehicles. With our pill, the same amount of energy can be contained in a normal 50 litre tank," said Claus Hviid Christensen, professor of chemistry at DTU.

The tablet is small, cheap, safe to use and can be manufactured without the use of fossil fuels. It is made of ammonia, a mix of hydrogen and nitrogen, which has been absorbed in sea salt and after use the tablet can be recharged with ammonia.

The company Amminex, founded by DTU and SeeD Capital Denmark, will develop the product and industry backing is being sought before the invention can be taken to the next level.


Ÿ Adfero Ltd