Engineers develop new nano materials for hydrogen storage
Researchers at GITAM University have developed nano materials capable of safely storing hydrogen, according to M Sarath Chandra Babu, head of the chemistry department. At a research forum, Babu said he believed hydrogen had the potential to become a "major fuel for both mobile and stationary power generation." The nano technology group is looking to develop a hydrogen-friendly vehicle, in partnership with the mechanical engineering department.

August 28, 2016 12:00 am | Updated 06:38 am IST - VISAKHAPATNAM:

Nano technology researcher and Head of the Chemistry Department of GITAM University M. Sarath Chandra Babu, on Saturday announced at a research forum arranged by the university that he had invented two hydrogen storage materials, which could play an important role in the safe storage of hydrogen.

The research work has been registered for patent, he said.

Explaining the invention, he said replacing gasoline vehicles with hydrogen fuel was the future, as it would reduce carbon dioxide emissions significantly.

According to him, hydrogen is an energy carrier with great potential to become a major fuel for both mobile and stationary power generation and is an eco-friendly fuel for vehicles.

Planning hybrid engine

He announced that GITAM University Nano Technology Research Centre has developed two nano materials to store the hydrogen fuel in the safest manner and the research project was supported by the Centre for High Technology, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas. Prof. Sarathchandra Babu informed that the nano technology research group is now planning to develop a hybrid engine with the help of mechanical engineering department to suit the hydrogen fuel vehicles.

“We are approaching the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India to support the project.” He briefed how the nano tubes are helpful to store the hydrogen fuel in vehicles.

GITAM University Vice-Chancellor M.S. Prasada Rao, Registrar M. Potharaju, Research Forum Convenor S. Ganapathi appreciated the efforts of the professor.