Hydrogen properties

Abstract

Most of the energy we use today is obtained from nonrenewable fossil fuels. This has not only depleted the reserves of fossil fuels, especially crude oil but has also caused severe environmental pollution. Intense effort researches are being made to develop alternative renewable energy sources. Some see hydrogen gas as the clean fuel of the future, generated from water and returning to water when it is oxidized. Hydrogen-powered fuel cells are increasingly being seen as pollution-free sources of energy and are now being used in some transportation devices. Hydrogen, in vast quantities, has been used safely for many years in chemical and metallurgical applications, the food industry, and the space program. As hydrogen and fuel cells begin to play a greater role in meeting the energy needs of our nation and the world, minimizing the safety hazards related to the use of hydrogen as a fuel is essential. In this chapter, the chemical and physical properties of hydrogen, combustibility, hydrogen production, applications, and safe use of hydrogen are highlighted.