Ocean voyages offer unique experiences but significantly impact the environment. Ships typically run on heavy fuel oil, leading to high particulate emissions and substantial CO2 output. Eco-friendlier fuel alternatives exist but are often costly, making them less attractive to shipping companies. Researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) may have found a solution using hydrogen.
By Aubree Ross
Hydrogen for Ships: An Unlikely Combination
Hydrogen is highly flammable and volatile, making its transport risky. Ideally, hydrogen should be produced and consumed on-site, posing a challenge for ships. MIT researchers propose a novel solution: generating hydrogen using aluminum pellets and seawater. The reaction between these substances is slow due to an oxide layer on aluminum, making it less efficient when fuel is scarce.
A Boost from Coffee Grounds
MIT researchers discovered that a special alloy of gallium and indium, combined with coffee grounds, can accelerate the hydrogen production process. The caffeine in coffee contains imidazole, which helps speed up the reaction. Their promising findings were published in “Cell Reports Physical Science.” This discovery could revolutionize maritime transportation, allowing ships to carry only aluminum for fuel without needing to store seawater or hydrogen.
Compact Reactors for Maritime Use
The idea is to create a compact reactor for ships and underwater vehicles. The system uses recycled aluminum pellets, a small amount of gallium-indium alloy, and caffeine, producing hydrogen with seawater as needed. This hydrogen can then power engines or generate electricity, reducing reliance on heavy fuel oil and lowering emissions.
Overcoming Resource Challenges
While innovative, the process requires rare and expensive gallium and indium. However, researchers found that these metals can be recycled after use in seawater, making the system more sustainable. The team, led by Aly Kombargi, developed a prototype reactor, estimating that just 44 pounds of aluminum pellets could power a submarine for 30 days.
MIT researchers are also exploring applications beyond maritime use, including reactors for trucks and trains. They are investigating hydrogen production from atmospheric moisture, potentially expanding hydrogen’s role as a green energy source in transportation and energy sectors. If these efforts prove successful, hydrogen could become a key player in reducing carbon footprints across various industries.
Based on content from www.watson.de