Yes, they can hold on to hydrogen but MOFs also need to learn to let go

I found it exciting to learn in the article ‘MOF smashes gas storage ceiling’ that hydrogen storage densities that seemed quite unattainable two years ago are now feasible. Of course, the ease with which hydrogen can be stored is also likely to limit the ease with which it can be released. When racing away from traffic lights we shall only be able to challenge our carbonaceous friends if the gas can be released rapidly in any required amount, the instant it is needed. Perhaps this facility will be the next design task.

A similar situation seems to prevail with electric cars. We are told that their carbon footprint is very small, and no doubt it is. The snag, I think, is that their electricity is supplied from the local power station where carbon consumption is still in full swing.

C Delmonte FRSC

Norfolk, UK

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