Nanotechnology and the Hydrogen Economy

The hydrogen economy promises to improve the environment while dramatically reducing man's dependence on hydrocarbon fuels. This comprehensive model requires economic and eco-friendly generation of hydrogen, its storage and distribution, and its end-use in economical hydrogen fuel-cell-powered vehicles and other self-powered energy-consuming products.

Applying the paradigm of nanotechnology, the entire fuel cycle promises to be more economical and eco-friendly. A May 2, 2005 UPI article by C. Q. Choi identified the impact of "nano" in the first of three areas of the hydrogen economy [1]:

Solar-powered hydrogen generation - the breakup of water molecules into oxygen and hydrogen gas. Read more.

Safe, compact storage of hydrogen as well as its cost-effective transport and distribution are also aided by nano-scale technology. These same methods will make a car's hydrogen fuel tank low-weight and secure. Read more

Hydrogen fuel cells themselves are major targets of nanotechnology innovation. Read more.

TEACHERS: Discussion of the hydrogen economy and practical-math problems for students to solve.

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Image. Nanotubes have produced hydrogen gas by using the energy from UV sunlight to split water into hydrogen and oxygen gas. This goal is to replace fossil fuel economy with a hydrogen fuel economy.