Question

Would hydrogen be a satisfactory basis for a fuel econo\(\mathrm{my}\) if the only available sources were cracking of natural gas and conversion of grain- based ethanol? Explain.

Short answer

In conclusion, using hydrogen as a basis for a fuel economy solely through natural gas cracking and grain-based ethanol conversion might not be satisfactory. The efficiency of these processes, environmental concerns, and inherent limitations related to hydrogen storage and transportation make it an inadequate alternative to fossil fuels. Developing renewable and environmentally friendly methods for hydrogen production, such as water electrolysis powered by solar or wind energy, may provide a more suitable approach.

Step-by-step solution

Efficiency of natural gas cracking and conversion of grain-based ethanol

In the case of hydrogen production from natural gas, the process (called steam methane reforming) has a relatively high efficiency of about 70-80%. However, this process still depends on fossil fuels, which are non-renewable resources. On the other hand, the conversion of grain-based ethanol into hydrogen is not as efficient as the steam methane reforming process. The conversion efficiency is lower, and the energy input required to produce the grain-based ethanol initially might outweigh the benefits of using hydrogen as a fuel source.

Environmental concerns

While hydrogen can offer a cleaner fuel source, both of these mentioned processes have specific environmental drawbacks. Steam methane reforming leads to greenhouse gas emissions from the burning of natural gas. Moreover, methane, a potent greenhouse gas, could escape into the atmosphere during the extraction and transportation of natural gas. The conversion of grain-based ethanol into hydrogen also has environmental concerns. Intensive agriculture, which is necessary to produce the grain-based ethanol, can lead to soil erosion, deforestation, and excessive use of water, chemical fertilizers, and pesticides. This process also tends to generate carbon dioxide as a by-product.

Possible limitations

Hydrogen storage and transportation are two main challenges facing the use of hydrogen as a primary fuel source. Storing hydrogen requires large storage systems, and its transportation can be both costly and logistically challenging. Another limitation is that the two processes under consideration do not provide completely renewable sources of hydrogen, which does not address long-term energy sustainability problems.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while hydrogen has the potential to be a clean and efficient fuel source, the reliance on natural gas cracking and the conversion of grain-based ethanol may not be a satisfactory basis for a fuel economy. The efficiency of these processes, their environmental concerns, and the inherent limitations related to hydrogen storage and transportation make it unlikely that they would provide a sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative to the current reliance on fossil fuels. A more suitable approach might involve developing renewable and environment-friendly methods for hydrogen production, such as from water electrolysis powered by solar or wind energy.