Progress, Barriers, and Prospects for Achieving a “Hydrogen Society” and Opportunities for Biochar Technology

Abstract

The concept of a “hydrogen (H2) society” is meant to serve as a greener alternative toward fossil fuel utilization and mitigating the climate crisis. However, major challenges concerning sustainability in the production of H2 need to be resolved to fulfill the development of a hydrogen society. Climate change cannot be mitigated while fossil fuels remain the primary source of H2 production. The use of excess renewable energy to produce H2 can also be economically challenging; moreover, difficulties in storage and transportation could render a hydrogen society inviable. Biochar, as a renewable low-cost material, could be the key toward resolving these challenges, by serving as feedstock for steam gasification, as a catalyst or catalyst support for thermochemical or photochemical processes, or as an additive for biochemical processes. This study examines the plausibility of the concept of an “H2 society” and the role of biochar in making this a reality. Biochar helps improve H2 production, because it is an effective catalyst due to its high surface area, porosity, conductivity, and stability. Its high H2 storage capacity could facilitate effective stationary storage and transportation. The role of biochar in an H2 economy is becoming clearer; however, developing effective biochar-based materials for H2 production and storage is necessary.

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