Hydrogen fuel produced from formic acid and amine.

A way to convert formic acid into hydrogen gas at low temperatures has been reported by researchers at the Leibniz Institute of Catalysis, in Rostock, Germany. New research shows that formic acid could be used as a safe, easy-to-transport source of hydrogen for fuel cells.

While hydrogen produced by this method might not be placed in fuel-cell vehicles anytime soon, the researchers say that the process could produce sufficient quantities for micro fuel cells that power portable electronic devices, such as cell phones and laptops.

The new process works at temperatures of 26 to 40[degrees]C. The researchers mix formic acid with amines and expose the mixture to a ruthenium-based catalyst, which breaks down the acid into hydrogen and carbon dioxide.

Tekion, based in Burnaby, Canada, is working with BASF, the largest producer of formic acid, to commercialize a fuel cell that uses formic acid directly. Tekion, which does not have a product on the market yet, claims that its formic-acid fuel cells are smaller and less complex than direct methanol fuel cells. However, both technologies are less efficient than hydrogen fuel cells.

For more information: Matthias Beller, Leibniz Institute of Catalysis, Rostock, Germany; let 49(381)1281-113; Matthias.beller@catalysis.de; www.catalysis.de.