Fact sheet n°1 : The history and uses of hydrogen
WHAT IS
HYDROGEN?
Representing 92% of the atoms in the universe (and 75% of its mass), hydrogen is the simplest and most common atom. It consists of a single proton and a single electron.
The dihydrogen molecule (H2), is often referred to as hydrogen. Now that we have cleared that out, and for the sake of simplicity we will keep referring to it as hydrogen.
THE DISCOVERY
OF HYDROGEN
EARLY USES OF
HYDROGEN
1800:
Half of the lighting gas is hydrogen.
1878:
The inflatable balloon is filled with hydrogen.
1852-1937:
Hydrogen, which is 11 times lighter than air, was also used in airships… until the 6th of May 1937, when the Hindenburg airship crashed in New Jersey.
This tragic accident* along with the growing popularity of aircraft led to the end of airships’ use.
*This tragic accident wasn’t caused by hydrogen.
HYDROGEN AS A RAW MATERIAL
Following World War II, new uses of hydrogen as a raw material in the industry were found (petrochemistry, steel, food-processing…)
HYDROGEN:
ENERGY OF THE SPACE INDUSTRY
New applications for hydrogen in space were found:
As a fuel, a mix of liquid hydrogen is used to throw space rockets, such as Ariane 5 and Saturn V
As a reliable power supply system in space missions (Apollo, Gemini, Space Shuttle) through the development of compact fuel cells
NEW APPLICATIONS FOR HYDROGEN
Hydrogen as an energy carrier?
Produced from zero-emission or renewable electricity:
Hydrogen can then be stored, transported and used in all kinds of energy applications, such as fuel.
FOR ONE PURPOSE
ZERO EMISSIONS ZERO COMPROMISE
