Tirupati-based researchers from the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) have discovered an environmentally friendly, energy-efficient approach for producing hydrogen from methanol under ambient circumstances.

Hydrogen, which is known for its clean energy potential, may be obtained in a variety of ways, although the cost and environmental impact vary. Methanol, with a 12.6 percent hydrogen content, shows potential as a hydrogen source with a clean dehydrogenation procedure.

Using a commercially available ruthenium complex as a catalyst, the scientists achieved hydrogen generation from methanol through a clean chemical dehydrogenation reaction, making it a sustainable method for producing valuable chemicals and pharmaceuticals.

The research, supported by the Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB), opens new avenues for fundamental research and industrial applications, facilitating the synthesis of bulk and fine chemicals.

Additionally, methanol's potential as a hydrogen carrier enhances its usefulness in synthetic organic chemistry, offering ease of storage and transportation.