New and emerging applications of hydrogen including industrial, medical and warfare applications

Abstract

Hydrogen is recognized as the most abundant element in nature. Its potential for inexhaustibility importantly supports a new global economic vision and stable technological advancements, devoid of pollution. As the world population expands, sustainable energy development such as renewable energy, clean energy carriers and storage that could aid “zero-carbon” policy are necessarily required for economic and environmental viability. Interestingly, H2 proffers viable and applicable opportunities for achieving these, making it an indispensable driver of the Millennium Developmental Goals. In this chapter, several technological approaches recently devised for a safer, cost-effective, efficient and eco-friendly production and utilization of H2 for global development have been overviewed. Notably, new and emerging applications of H2 for industrial, medical and warfare purposes were comprehensively presented. The potential opportunities and drawbacks associated with such technological advancements were equally highlighted. Moreover, the challenges for further translational studies towards more effective production and utilization of H2 were also enumerated. The chapter represents a model for global development through efficient production and application of H2.