What is Hydrogen and What is it Used For

Hydrogen gas, the lightest and most abundant element in the universe, possesses unique properties that make it ideal for a wide range of applications. With its low density, high energy content, and environmentally friendly combustion, hydrogen gas is increasingly recognised as a key player in the pursuit of a sustainable future. 

Supagas delves into the many uses of hydrogen in its gaseous state, encompassing its role as a clean fuel, energy carrier, food additive, and numerous other applications across various industries. Join us in exploring how hydrogen's properties and versatility are shaping our world and propelling us towards a greener tomorrow.

What is Hydrogen Gas Used For?

Hydrogen gas has a wide range of applications due to its unique properties. Its low density, high energy content, and environmentally friendly nature make it an ideal candidate for various uses across different industries.

Hydrogen Gas as a Fuel

Hydrogen's high energy content and clean combustion make it a promising alternative fuel source. When burned, it produces water vapour, resulting in zero harmful emissions. Hydrogen gas can be used in internal combustion engines, fuel cells for electric vehicles, and even in rocket propulsion systems for space exploration.

Hydrogen Gas as a Chemical Feedstock

Hydrogen is an essential component in the production of various chemicals and materials. It plays a crucial role in the synthesis of ammonia, which is widely used in the fertiliser industry. Moreover, hydrogen gas is employed in the petrochemical industry for the hydrogenation of unsaturated hydrocarbons and the production of methanol.

Hydrogen Gas as an Energy Carrier

Hydrogen's ability to store and transport energy is particularly valuable in the context of renewable energy systems. Excess electricity generated from solar, wind, or other renewable sources can be used to produce hydrogen via electrolysis. The hydrogen can then be stored, transported, and reconverted into electricity when needed, providing a reliable, flexible, and clean energy storage solution.

Green Hydrogen Uses

Green hydrogen refers to hydrogen produced through the electrolysis of water, using electricity generated from renewable energy sources. As it results in zero greenhouse gas emissions, it is considered an environmentally friendly alternative to conventional hydrogen production methods. 

Green hydrogen offers numerous opportunities for decarbonising various sectors while maintaining the advantages of traditional hydrogen uses. As renewable energy technologies continue to advance, green hydrogen is poised to play a crucial role in achieving a sustainable energy future.

Renewable Energy Storage

Green hydrogen serves as an effective energy storage medium for renewable energy systems, enabling excess electricity generated from solar or wind sources to be stored and utilised when needed.

Sustainable Transportation

Green hydrogen can be used to fuel zero-emission vehicles such as fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs), significantly reducing the carbon footprint associated with transport.

Industrial Applications

Green hydrogen can replace conventional hydrogen as a feedstock in the production of ammonia, methanol, and steel, thus reducing the carbon intensity of these industries.

Power Generation

Green hydrogen can be used in gas turbines or fuel cells to generate electricity, providing a clean and efficient power source.

Hydrogen Gas as a Food Additive

Hydrogen gas has found its way into the food industry, specifically as a food additive. It is primarily used as a reducing agent in the production of certain food products, providing unique advantages while also presenting some challenges.

One of the primary applications of hydrogen gas in the food industry is in the production of edible fats and oils. Hydrogen is used to solidify liquid vegetable oils through a process called hydrogenation. This results in products such as margarine and vegetable shortening, which have a more desirable texture and shelf life.

The hydrogenation process improves the consistency and stability of food products, allowing them to maintain their quality for a longer period. It also helps to enhance the taste and texture of certain products, making them more palatable for consumers.

The primary disadvantage of using hydrogen gas as a food additive is the formation of trans fats during the hydrogenation process. Trans fats are associated with increased risks of heart disease and other health issues. As a result, many food manufacturers have sought alternative methods to produce similar products without the use of hydrogen gas.

Hydrogen for Transportation

Hydrogen has emerged as a promising alternative fuel for transportation due to its high energy content and clean combustion properties. Developing efficient and safe hydrogen storage systems, such as hydrogen tanks, is crucial for the widespread adoption of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles (FCEVs).

Hydrogen Tank Technology

Hydrogen tanks are designed to store hydrogen gas under high pressure, typically around 700 bar. These tanks are made from advanced materials, such as carbon-fibre composites, to ensure structural integrity and safety. The hydrogen gas stored in these tanks is supplied to the fuel cell, where it reacts with oxygen to produce electricity and water vapour.

Hydrogen tanks offer a number of advantages over conventional fuel storage systems, including quicker refuelling times and longer driving ranges. FCEVs can be refuelled in a matter of minutes, similar to petrol or diesel vehicles, and boast ranges of up to 500 miles on a single tank of hydrogen.

Examples of Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicles

Several automobile manufacturers have introduced FCEVs to the market, with notable examples being the Toyota Mirai, Hyundai Nexo, and Honda Clarity. These vehicles showcase the potential of hydrogen as a clean and efficient transportation fuel, with further advancements expected in the coming years. 

Other Uses

Beyond its applications as a fuel, chemical feedstock, and energy carrier, hydrogen gas has numerous other uses across various sectors. Some of these additional applications include the semiconductor industry, metal refining, and medical applications. As research and technology continue to evolve, hydrogen's potential to contribute to a more sustainable and efficient future becomes increasingly apparent.

Hydrogen Gas in the Semiconductor Industry

Hydrogen is used as a carrier gas in the semiconductor manufacturing process. It helps to remove impurities from silicon wafers and facilitates the deposition of thin layers of materials, ensuring high-quality semiconductor devices.

Hydrogen Gas in Metal Refining

Hydrogen is utilised in the refining of certain metals, such as titanium and zirconium. It serves as a reducing agent to remove oxygen and nitrogen impurities, resulting in a purer and more desirable end product.

Hydrogen Gas in Medical Applications

Hydrogen gas has shown potential as a medical treatment for various conditions. Research indicates that hydrogen-rich water may help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation in the body, potentially benefiting patients with conditions such as diabetes, Alzheimer's, and Parkinson's disease. Additionally, hydrogen gas is used as a carrier gas in gas chromatography, a common analytical technique in medical and pharmaceutical research.

Summing Up

Hydrogen gas holds great potential as a versatile and sustainable resource across numerous industries, from energy storage and transportation to food additives and medical applications. As the demand for clean energy and eco-friendly solutions continues to grow, hydrogen is poised to play a significant role in shaping a greener future. 

For those seeking a reliable hydrogen gas supplier in Australia, Supagas is a trusted provider, offering high-quality hydrogen gas solutions to meet various industrial and commercial needs. As we move towards a more sustainable world, hydrogen gas will undoubtedly remain a key player in our collective progress. Get in touch with us today to discuss your unique needs.