Coconuts could hold the key to hydrogen fuel storage

Hydrogen storage continues to be a problematic issue that needs a solution

Hydrogen has become a prominent subject in the transportation world in recent years. As automakers begin to look for ways to comply with stricter emissions regulations coming from their most prominent markets, more are beginning to turn to hydrogen fuel cells to develop a new generation of vehicles that will produce zero emissions. Though many automakers have plans to release fuel cell vehicles in the coming years, these vehicles still face significant challenges that could slow their adoption.

Team of researchers find a way to store hydrogen using coconut kernels

One of the most challenging aspects of hydrogen fuel has to do with storage. Conventional storage solutions are expensive, energy intensive, and somewhat inefficient. Over the past few years, hydrogen storage has become a subject of interest among energy researchers, with many organization attempting to solve the problem of modern hydrogen storage. Researchers from Benaras Hindu University in India may have made a major breakthrough in this endeavor, thanks to coconuts.

Coconut kernels could be one of the least expensive sources of carbon in the world

A team of researchers from Benaras Hindu University has successfully extracted the carbon from coconut kernels. The carbon particles extracted from the kernels can absorb and store hydrogen in an efficient manner, according to researchers. Carbon has shown promise as a hydrogen storage medium in the past, but many organizations have had trouble finding an effective way to access carbon for the sake of storage.

Effective storage solutions could make hydrogen fuel significantly more attractive in the future

Coconut kernels are attractive as a source of carbon because they are very abundant. The research team notes that the kernels represent one of the most cost effective carbon sources in the world and they could be a powerful tool in overcoming the storage challenges that currently face hydrogen fuel. If efficient and inexpensive storage solutions can be developed, hydrogen may begin receiving more acceptance from consumers and businesses alike, especially when it comes to clean transportation and fuel cell vehicles.