The developers claim that to obtain hydrogen gas, simply pour the powder into water.
The company notes that the production of newmaterial has a very low carbon footprint. Si+ can be made using a (preferably renewable) energy source, as well as metallurgical grade silicon, which is made from sand or crushed recycled solar panels and electronics.
When water is added, porous silicon releases hydrogen, and silicon dioxide or silica is also formed. This is the main element that is part of the sand, so it is easy to dispose of.
Si+ is the first spreading material forlong-term energy storage with grid parity. It represents a significant breakthrough in green hydrogen energy and will transform hydrogen from the fuel of the future into the fuel of tomorrow.
Albert Lau, CEO of EPRO Advance Technology
The developers also state that, unlikeother solid hydrogen compounds, Si+ does not accumulate hydrogen, and therefore cannot lead to an accidental release. Due to this, this method makes its transportation and use safe.