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Letters to the editor
Chemistry demonstrations
I read the article on the American Chemical Society’s new strategy (C&EN, Jan. 13, 2025, page 41) and noticed that one of the new core values is passion for science. One way of encouraging a passion for science is to watch chemistry demonstration shows. Watching live demonstrations or recorded ones can increase student interest in chemistry and science. The recording of a 90 min chemistry demonstration show I did with J. J. Fortman is available on my website (www.rubinbattino.com) in the “Chemistry Presentations” section.
Rubin Battino
Yellow Springs, Ohio
Safety and engineering issues with hydrogen
I read with great interest your article titled “Drilling for Hydrogen” in the March 17 issue of C&EN (page 23).
However, I was surprised that the article did not discuss some of the safety and engineering issues associated with using hydrogen as an energy carrier.
First, the volumetric heat of combustion for hydrogen (–286 kJ/mol) is a lot less than for methane (–890 kJ/mol).
Second, hydrogen is a much smaller molecule than methane and is more prone to leakage—all transport and storage systems for hydrogen would need to be designed to much higher standards than for methane.
Third, the flammable limits for hydrogen in air (4–75 vol %) are much broader than for methane (5–15 vol %).
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Fourth, hydrogen has a much lower minimum ignition energy in air (0.018 mJ) than methane (0.280 mJ).
Fifth, hydrogen burns with a colorless flame.
Sixth, when hydrogen under pressure leaks, the temperature of the leaking hydrogen increases—although whether it ignites is a complex issue.
All these issues can be addressed with recognition of these hazards and proper engineering.
Daniel Crowl
Cottonwood Heights, Utah
Chemical & Engineering News
ISSN 0009-2347
Copyright © 2025 American Chemical Society
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