Hydrogen Economy

Abstract

Hydrogen technologies and fuel cells evoke, for many people, vision of a future in which electrical energy and heat can be generated not only cleanly but also noiselessly and efficiently—with only water as by‐product at the point of use. These technologies—particularly for transport applications—are viewed as a bridge to a sustainable and secure energy future. But despite its clear promise, hydrogen is today still largely only a potential energy carrier of the future; this chemical element is usually a key component of long‐term energy policies. But, as recently noted by Eames and McDowall: “…it is expectations about, and visions of, the future of hydrogen that are currently driving investment and research.” This article explores some of these expectations; in particular, we examine important scientific and technological issues concerning the production, storage, and utilization of hydrogen, as well as outlining the interrelated—and equally challenging—socioeconomic issues for a future hydrogen energy economy. We hope that this approach allows the reader to assess the complexities, challenges—and, of course, the considerable potential—of hydrogen and fuel cells in long‐term transport strategies. We illustrate the very considerable central role of chemistry in building innovative solutions to key areas of a future hydrogen energy economy.

Control of PbSe Nanorod Aspect Ratio by Limiting Phosphine Hydrolysis

“…This indicates that the reaction of 1 with water results in both 2 and diethylamine as has been shown previously by Szewczyk et al 15 and illustrated in (Scheme 1). It should be noted that following hydrolysis to form diethylamine the hydroxide group is initially bound to the phosphorous atom, followed by a rearrangement, similar to that seen in phosphonic acid, 16,17 to create 2. This reaction suggests that it is possible that water is acting indirectly by creating 2 and diethylamine, and one or both of these hydrolysis products are responsible for the nanorod aspect ratio and yield modifications.…”

“…Trioctylphosphine is not prone to hydrolysis because the P-C bond is strong and not easily cleaved. 17 In contrast, as we have shown above, when 1 reacts with water one of the amine ligands is removed, creating the reactive compound 2.…”