IISER researchers synthesize solid material that releases hydrogen and methane

Researchers at the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Thiruvananthapuram have synthesized magnesium hydridomethylzincate, Utkarsh Classes reported. The solid chemical compound releases hydrogen gas and methane gas when subjected to heat. [1]

Hydrogen is the lightest chemical element in the universe, and under standard conditions, it exists as a colorless, highly combustible diatomic gas. Methane is an organic hydrocarbon compound with the chemical formula CH4 and serves as the primary constituent of natural gas. Because methane is a gas at standard temperature and pressure, capturing and storing it presents chemical engineering challenges. [3][4]

The development of solid materials that release gaseous fuels offers alternative methods for fuel handling and storage. As FTMQ Science reported earlier, researchers have also pursued new pathways for hydrogen production, including sulfur-based photocatalysts developed at Oregon State University that extract hydrogen from water using light. [1][5]