New Energy Carrier - Scientists Invent Unique Liquid.

Researchers from the École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) and Kyoto University have developed a liquid that contains a lot of hydrogen and remains stable at room temperature.

The innovation helps overcome the main barrier to using hydrogen as a clean fuel.

This was reported by Interesting Engineering.

Combination of Two Simple Chemicals

The research group created the liquid by combining two simple chemical compounds - ammonia borane and tetra-n-butylammonium borohydride.

After conducting various experiments, they found that a mixture containing 50% to 80% ammonia borane forms a clear and stable liquid.

This formula contains up to 6.9% hydrogen by weight, exceeding the standard requirements for hydrogen storage materials until 2025.

New Directions in Hydrogen Research

The obtained liquid is stable and does not crystallize even when cooled, only transitioning to a glassy state at temperatures below -50 °C.

'This liquid remains stable for several weeks if kept dry, and also has one of the lowest densities among similar liquids,' scientists stated in a press release.

The performance indicators of the liquid are also very attractive. It releases pure hydrogen when heated to 60 °C, significantly reducing energy costs compared to many other hydrogen storage materials.

Researchers explained that this means access to hydrogen will become simpler and more efficient, promoting the further use of this fuel in real-world conditions.

Tests showed that initially only one component of the ammonia-borane series decomposes, releasing hydrogen, which indicates that the other component - tetra-n-butylammonium borohydride - can be recovered and reused.

In addition to hydrogen storage, these results could spur the creation of new liquids for other purposes, such as chemical production or use in green energy.