Scientists Find Way to Store Hydrogen in Plant Fuel

Researchers at Washington State University, along with colleagues at New Haven and Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, have developed a new method for storing hydrogen in jet fuel using lignin, a natural polymer found in plants.


Thanks to this discovery, it is possible to chemically bind free molecules of a substance in a stable liquid form. As a result, it is possible to safely store and transport hydrogen, which can be used, among other things, as fuel for environmentally friendly hydrogen Transport.


The key element of the development was a reactive fuel obtained from lignin. During the experiments, scientists found out that this compound can enter into a chemical reaction with hydrogen.

Professor Bin Yang, the project's lead researcher, explained that the new technique not only ensures convenient storage of the substance, but also makes it possible to extract it and use it later.

In addition, environmentally friendly fuel from lignin can increase engine performance and reduce the concentration of harmful compounds during engine operation. This makes it an excellent alternative to traditional aviation fuel.

The advantage of the proposed technology is its compatibility with the infrastructure already used by humans. Modern systems for storing and transporting aviation fuel can be adapted to the use of the new composition without changes. This makes the technology economically feasible and promising for mass implementation.

In the future, the researchers plan to optimize the process of hydrogen binding by developing a catalyst based on artificial intelligence. It will increase the efficiency of chemical reactions - increase the rate of dissolution, while reducing energy costs.


Importantly, the technology’s potential for use extends beyond aviation. Hydrogen stabilised in liquid fuel could become a key component for the transport sector, including maritime and land transport.

The University of Washington's development paves the way for the widespread use of hydrogen technologies, helping to advance the global transition to clean energy.