The world economy is undergoing a significant change in terms of the use of various energy sources. There is a growing recognition of the need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate the effects of climate change, which has led to an increased emphasis on the use of renewable energy sources and clean technologies, including hydrogen fuel cells, electric vehicles, and energy storage systems. These technologies are seen as important tools to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in transport, industry, and the energy sector. According to many reports, we are facing a significant increase in the number of vehicles using hydrogen. Based on them, by 2030, nearly 45,000 trucks with hydrogen cells may already be driving around Europe.
A few words about the hydrogen economy and its use of platinum
Hydrogen is the most common element in the universe. It is a clean, versatile, and energy-rich fuel. It can be produced from a variety of sources, including water, natural gas, and biomass. Hydrogen fuel cells have several advantages over conventional internal combustion engines, such as higher efficiency, longer life, and quieter operation. They can also be used in a wide range of applications, from cars and buses to stationary power generation and emergency power systems.
Platinum, along with other platinum group metals (PGMs) such as palladium and rhodium, is a crucial ingredient in the production of hydrogen fuel cells. Platinum acts as a catalyst to facilitate the electrochemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen, generating electricity and water. Without platinum, the efficiency and durability of the cells would be significantly reduced. In addition, platinum can also be used to produce hydrogen from natural gas or biomass as it helps remove impurities and improve process efficiency.
The advantages of hydrogen technology
Hydrogen technology is important for several reasons:
- Decarbonization – is a clean and renewable energy source. Hydrogen used as fuel produces only water vapor, making it an attractive option for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and mitigating climate change.
- Energy storage – can be used as a form of energy storage, allowing surplus renewable energy to be stored and used when needed. This is especially important compared to other renewable energy sources such as wind and solar, which can be intermittent and unpredictable.
- Versatility – has many applications including fuel cells for transport, electricity generation, and industrial processes. This versatility makes it a promising technology for reducing greenhouse gas emissions in many sectors.
- Security – can be produced domestically, reducing dependence on foreign energy sources and improving energy security.
- Innovation – the development of hydrogen technology drives innovation in many industries, including transport, energy, and production, leading to the development of new technologies and economic growth.
Overall, hydrogen technology is an important tool for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, improving energy independence, and stimulating innovation and economic growth.
The benefits of using platinum in hydrogen fuel cells
Platinum, a rare and valuable metal, has been widely used in both luxury products such as jewellery and automotive catalysts. Its importance, however, goes far beyond this scope. With the growing emphasis on renewable energy and the need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, platinum has appeared as a necessary ingredient in the development of a sustainable hydrogen economy. Hydrogen fuel cells, which are based on platinum, are promoted as a clean and efficient alternative to fossil fuels, especially in the transport and energy sectors.
Using platinum in hydrogen fuel cells has several advantages.
Firstly, it enables electricity production without harmful emissions, making it a clean and sustainable energy source. The Paris Agreement has set targets for reducing CO2 emissions by 2050 to limit global warming to at least 2°C or better still to 1.5°C. The use of platinum in the hydrogen economy can significantly contribute to achieving these goals and reducing carbon dioxide emissions. Platinum-based hydrogen fuel cell technologies that enable the use of green hydrogen in decarbonization can contribute to achieving these goals. Hydrogen fuel cells do not produce any harmful emissions, only water vapor, making them a clean and sustainable alternative to fossil fuels.
Secondly, it has a high energy density, which means it can store more energy than conventional batteries. This makes it suitable for applications requiring high power and long operating time, such as electric vehicles.
Thirdly, hydrogen fuel cells are highly efficient, converting up to 60% of the energy in hydrogen into electricity, compared to only 25% in gasoline engines. This results in lower fuel consumption and operating costs.
Platinum availability
Despite the benefits of using platinum in hydrogen fuel cells, its availability and durability are serious problems. Platinum is a rare and valuable metal with most of its production concentrated in a few countries such as the Republic of South Africa, Russia, and Zimbabwe. This makes it vulnerable to supply disruptions, geopolitical risks, and price volatility. In addition, the demand for platinum is expected to increase significantly as the world moves towards a greener future, which may further limit its availability and affordability.
Increasing the recycling and reuse of platinum from alternative sources is essential to meet these challenges.
Platinum recycling
Platinum recycling involves the recovery of platinum from thrown items such as automotive catalysts, electronic waste, and jewellery. The process involves melting these items down to extract the platinum, which can then be purified and reused in a variety of applications, including the production of hydrogen fuel.
Platinum recycling reduces the need for new mining and has many environmental benefits, such as reducing waste and greenhouse gas emissions. In addition, it can provide a sustainable source of platinum for future generations and provide a sustainable platinum source lower the cost of platinum, making it more accessible for more uses.
Platinum recycling has several benefits for sustainable hydrogen production. First of all, it reduces the need for new mining, which is both environmentally harmful and expensive. By recycling platinum, we can extend the life of this valuable resource and reduce the amount of waste that ends up in scrapyards.
Platinum recycling is also a more energy-efficient process than mining new platinum. The energy required to extract platinum from thrown items is much lower than the energy required to extract and refine new platinum. This means that platinum recycling results in lower greenhouse gas emissions and a smaller carbon footprint.
Summary: Importance of platinum recycling for a sustainable future
In conclusion, platinum recycling is the key to sustainable hydrogen production. It reduces the need for new mining, which has significant environmental and social costs, and can provide a sustainable platinum source for future generations. While platinum recycling has challenges and limitations, advances in technology and research are making it a more realistic option for hydrogen fuel production.
As we move towards a more sustainable future, it is important to consider the environmental and social impacts of our energy choices. By implementing technologies such as platinum recycling, we can help create a cleaner, more sustainable future for ourselves and future generations.