High-pressure studies of molecular hydrides

Fed up with paying too much at the gas pump? Alternative forms of energy carriers are emerging, just be patient! One may be hydrogen: when hydrogen is combined with oxygen in a fuel cell, electricity is produced. Dr. Petra Szilágyi works on potential solutions for a safe, reversible and economical storage of hydrogen. Indeed, this is a major issue to resolve prior to any extensive use of this new technology. What makes the storage of hydrogen challenging is that, in its natural state, hydrogen is a gas. Dr. Szilágyi carries out state-of-the-art high-pressure experiments to find solutions for solid-state storage. For on-board, automotive applications, her research could help hydrogen energy become a replacement for fossil fuels, which are limited and polluting. Ultimately, this could have a profound impact on the global economy, as we take one more step towards a new “hydrogen economy”.