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A team of researchers in India has developed a new compound capable of releasing both hydrogen and methane when heated at low temperatures. In their new study, published in Science Advances, the researchers show how this new compound can provide a foundation for creating recyclable molecular compounds for storing and delivering alternative fuel components.

Hydrogen is an attractive option as an alternative fuel source because it produces only water vapor and heat when used in a fuel cell or burned with oxygen. However, hydrogen fuel cells are expensive and technologies for the practical use of hydrogen fuel are still being studied and developed. Hydrogen–methane blends have been proposed as an option that may act as a transitional fuel between hydrocarbon-based fuels and hydrogen fuels.

Mixtures of hydrogen and methane have better combustion efficiency and lower emissions compared with hydrocarbon fuels. Hydrogen is highly combustible and flammable, but the addition of methane can lower the risks of flashback and detonation, making the fuel safer than pure hydrogen. However, there have been limitations associated with the storage and release of these mixtures.

Previous solid-storage research had largely treated hydrogen and methane separately. Metal hydrides have been widely studied as hydrogen sources, but some molecular versions needed bulky stabilizing groups that added weight. Potential methane-releasing compounds can break down during preparation, making them difficult to isolate and study.

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