Graduate Seminar

Hydrogen Economy: Status of Science &
Technology and R&D Opportunities*Dr. U. (Balu) Balachandran
Argonne National Laboratory
Argonne, IL AbstractHydrogen is considered the fuel of choice for both the electric power and transportation industries because of concerns over global climate change. Dependence on depleting oil reserves found in politically unstable regions of the world is forcing many nations to look into the so-called hydrogen economy – a solution that holds the potential to provide sustainable clean, secure, affordable, and reliable energy. At present, petroleum refining and the production of ammonia and methanol collectively consume ≈95% of all deliberately produced hydrogen in the U.S. Most of the demands for hydrogen are currently met by fossil-based technologies such as steam reforming of methane, naphtha reforming, and coal gasification. New cost-efficient production pathways will be needed as we move into the hydrogen-based transportation system. Present needs include economically viable and environmentally benign sources for hydrogen, safe and efficient storage, infrastructure for delivery, and utilization technologies. Also needed are establishment of safety codes and standards, and public training/acceptance. Materials science will play a major role in addressing the challenges of the hydrogen economy. The current status of the hydrogen production, storage, distribution, and utilization technologies will be reviewed. Topics addressed will include membranes for hydrogen production/separation, thermo-chemical water splitting, and technical barriers/research opportunities.*Work supported by the U.S. Department of Energy. Monday, December 12, 2005Seminar at 1:00 p.m. HED 116The Scientific Community is Cordially Invited

Location: Hedco Pertroleum and Chemical Engineering Building (HED) - 116

Audiences: Everyone Is Invited

Contact: Petra Pearce