Since 2007, research at the basis of this application has been led by Professor Stephen Bennington from the STFC Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, in conjunction with scientists from University College London and Oxford University. This new concept for the transport market is to encapsulate hydrogen into a nano-porous polymer made of tiny micro-fibres 30 times smaller than a human hair, making it possible to handle it safely at ambient temperature and pressure. The new material could also be made in the form of micro beads that can be poured and pumped like a liquid. It could therefore be used to fuel cars and aeroplanes at a lower cost and with minimal modifications to current tanks and engines, and without producing carbon emissions. If commercialized, this technology could mean that cars could be refuelled with hydrogen in the same easy way we currently do with petrol and offer a range of 300-400 miles per tank.

The new technology could also be adapted to other applications in the field of renewable energies. One option could be the storage of energy produced by intermittent sources such as wind, after producing hydrogen by water hydrolysis.

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