Science Daily May 26, 2023
Researchers at the State University of Pennsylvania found that coal may represent a potential way to store hydrogen gas. They analyzed eight types of coals from coalfields across the United States to better understand their sorption and diffusion potential, or how much hydrogen they can hold. All eight coals showed considerable sorption properties, with low-volatile bituminous coal from eastern Virginia and anthracite coal from eastern Pennsylvania performing the best in tests. Depleted coalbed methane reservoirs’ seams contain unconventional natural gas like methane and have become an important source of fossil fuel energy over the last several decades. Similarly, injecting hydrogen into coal would cause that gas to absorb or stick to the coal. These formations often have a layer of shale or mudstone on top that act as a seal keeping methane, or in this case hydrogen, sealed until it is needed and pumped back out. Based on their results, the scientists determined anthracite and semi-anthracite coals are good candidates for hydrogen storage in depleted coal seams, and low-volatile bituminous coal are better candidates for gassy coal seams. According to the researchers coal outperforms other formations because it can hold more, it has existing infrastructure and is widely available across the country and near populated areas… read more. TECHNICAL ARTICLEÂ