IIT Indore's Breakthrough: Producing Pure Hydrogen from Methanol at Lower Temperatures
Key Ideas
- Researchers at IIT Indore have developed a novel catalyst enabling the production of pure hydrogen from methanol at a lower temperature of 130°C, enhancing economic feasibility and environmental friendliness.
- The new method can generate 1 kilogram of hydrogen from only 13 litres of methanol, showcasing high efficiency and cost-effectiveness for industrial and commercial applications.
- The Indian government's National Green Hydrogen Mission (NGHM) with an investment of USD 2.4 billion aims to produce 5 million metric tonnes of green hydrogen annually by 2030, fostering significant investments and job creation.
- Green hydrogen production is essential for decarbonizing challenging industries like refineries, fertilizers, and transportation, offering a sustainable solution for sectors striving for carbon neutrality.
Researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Indore have made a significant breakthrough by developing a novel catalyst that facilitates the production of pure hydrogen from methanol at a significantly lower temperature of 130°C, in contrast to the traditional 200°C requirement of other methods. Led by Professor Sanjay K Singh from the Chemistry Department, this catalyst demonstrates the ability to produce 1 kilogram of hydrogen from just 13 litres of methanol, showcasing remarkable efficiency and cost-effectiveness. The technology has been validated under real-world conditions, patented, and is currently undergoing discussions for commercialization through industry partnerships.
In addition to their recent achievement, IIT Indore had previously devised a method to produce pure hydrogen from PET plastic waste, further highlighting their commitment to sustainable solutions. The Indian government is actively promoting green hydrogen production through initiatives like the National Green Hydrogen Mission (NGHM), which aims to achieve 5 million metric tonnes of green hydrogen production annually by 2030. This mission, backed by USD 2.4 billion in investment, is expected to attract over USD 100 billion in investments and create more than six lakh jobs.
Green hydrogen is poised to play a crucial role in decarbonizing challenging industries such as refineries, fertilizers, steel, and heavy-duty transportation. By offering a sustainable alternative, green hydrogen can significantly contribute to the overall environmental goals of various sectors, aligning with global efforts towards carbon neutrality.
Topics
Fuel Cells
Environmental Impact
Innovation
Green Technology
Job Creation
Research
Economic Development
Government Initiative
Industry Partnership
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