IIT Indore has developed a catalyst that produces purified hydrogen from methanol at much lower temperatures and is cheaper than current methods, according to PTI.
The news agency said this breakthrough is expected to make hydrogen production more efficient, significantly boosting clean energy efforts.
Hydrogen is seen as a crucial alternative to fossil fuels in the shift to clean energy. However, traditional hydrogen production requires high temperatures, leading to high energy consumption and reduced environmental benefits.
The team at IIT Indore, led by Prof. Sanjay K. Singh from the Department of Chemistry, along with his PhD student Mahendra K. Awasthi, has developed a process that produces purified hydrogen gas from methanol at temperatures as low as 130 degrees Celsius.
This contrasts with conventional methods that require over 200 degrees Celsius.
This lower-temperature process reduces energy use and operational costs, making hydrogen production more affordable for industrial and commercial applications. The innovation has the potential to significantly impact the hydrogen economy, aligning with global efforts to cut carbon emissions and tackle climate change.
The technology, currently with Technology Readiness Level 4, has been proven effective under real-world conditions and has been granted a patent.
The team is discussing bringing this technology to the market with potential industry partners.
Prof. Singh said, “This catalyst can produce 1 kg of hydrogen from just 13 liters of methanol. It stands out from other methods due to its sustainability and lower cost. The process is expected to revolutionize hydrogen production and help the wider adoption of hydrogen as a clean energy source.”
The societal impact of this technology is significant. Enabling more efficient hydrogen production supports the global shift to cleaner energy sources, reduces dependence on fossil fuels, and helps lower greenhouse gas emissions.
With the growing interest in methanol as a fuel blender (M30) in India, this process provides an alternative and sustainable use of methanol for hydrogen production.
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