Chemistry Week#7 Alchemy and Hydrogen fuel

 

Alchemy – science, magic, art – or all three

Many people describe alchemy as a form of 'proto-science' rather than a distinct science. Alchemy is a mixture of practical and speculative knowledge about the nature of matter.  I think it lays the groundwork for one of the modern sciences known as chemistry.    Alchemy itself has the reputation of explaining observations and forming theories in terms of 'magic' or Divine intervention. Alchemists played a role in the development of materials and techniques used by artists, including the invention of oil paintings. In addition, alchemy itself is a form of art. Its philosophy, efforts to explore the natural world and beyond, ways to practice, express,  and create, are all the wonderful aspects of art. In my opinion. Alchemy is all three.

Hydrogen fuel cells and electric vehicles – are we seeing the end of the gasoline engine, in your view?

It definitely catches my attention when I hear the at hydrogen is a clean alternative fuel. There are so many environmental issues that we have to face, the idea of eliminating harmful emission is excellent. Hydrogen fuel cells and electric vehicles may allow us to end the gasoline engine. Other than being a clean fuel, it has so many advantages. Hydrogen has a big advantage in the air / fuel ratio, flame velocity, and diffusivity. Flame velocity is also an advantage of hydrogen. Hydrogen's automatic ignition temperatures are much higher, which allows the engine to run at higher compression ratios. Diffusivity of hydrogen helps with a more-efficient combustion process and  a very uniform mixture of air and fuel. Hydrogen's quenching distance helps spread out that fuel to burn better. Currently, hydrogen is used primarily as fuel for NASA spacecraft. The hydrogen fuel cells power the electrical systems. The only waste from this process is the pure water that can be used by the crew. However, there are a few disadvantages of hydrogen energy. It is expensive, tricky to move around, depends on fossil fuel,  has storage complications. In addition, many of today's industrial fuel cell technologies are in the prototype phase and are still being validated. Although there are challenges, there is no doubt that hydrogen may be a clean alternative fuel. I hope that in the near future, we will see the end of gasoline engine.