Researchers have demonstrated in laboratory experiments that hydrogen can be produced from iron-rich rocks while simultaneously locking away carbon dioxide. The work, presented at a recent geoscience meeting, aims to combine clean energy generation with climate mitigation. Field trials are now being planned to test the approach at scale.
Scientists at the University of Texas at Austin conducted the tests using volcanic rock samples placed in a pressurized container. Conditions were set at 1.2 to 1.7 megapascals and 90 degrees Celsius to mimic underground environments. When water containing CO2 was added, the rock released more hydrogen than in control experiments with inert gas, likely because carbonic acid helped break down the rock surface.