Vätgas

Vätgas, also known as hydrogen, is the chemical element with the symbol H and atomic number 1. It is the lightest and most abundant chemical element in the universe, constituting roughly 75% of all baryonic mass. At standard temperature and pressure, vätgas exists as a diatomic molecule, H2, which is a colorless, odorless, and highly flammable gas. Vätgas is a key component of water (H2O) and is found in organic compounds such as hydrocarbons and carbohydrates.

In industrial applications, vätgas is primarily produced through steam reforming of natural gas, although electrolysis of water is gaining prominence as a cleaner production method, especially when powered by renewable energy sources. Vätgas can serve as a clean energy carrier. When used in fuel cells, it reacts with oxygen to produce electricity, with water being the only byproduct. This makes it a promising candidate for decarbonizing transportation and other sectors. Vätgas can also be burned directly, though this can produce nitrogen oxides depending on combustion conditions. Its high energy density by mass, combined with its clean combustion characteristics, drives interest in its potential role in a future sustainable energy system.