Protons and the hydrogen economy

Abstract

As materials science is becoming components development and systems technology, hydrogen economy is approaching your porch. Welcome! Hydrogen mobility can now be purchased from the shelf. Fuel cell electric vehicles from various well-known car manufacturers are now available. The number of hydrogen filling stations in Europe is increasing at a rate that long-distance tours become less and less adventurous. The efforts of fuel cell researchers have paid off. Suppliers of components and systems for hydrogen infrastructure are anticipating business. Meanwhile, basic science in electrochemistry and materials research is continuing, with surprises such as the discovery of a proton polaron which are adding to the progress in fundamental understanding of energy materials in operation. Has the long awaited hydrogen economy finally arrived?