Hydrogen Energy\nSystem That Uses [NiFe] Hydrogenase\nFunctional Models and Works at 20–40 °C

Hydrogen gas is a strong contender for the next generation\nof energy,\nbut it has serious drawbacks in terms of storage and transportation.\nSo chemical derivatives, known as hydrogen energy carriers, are currently\nbeing developed. All current carriers have their own weaknesses, however,\nso here, we present an entirely new direction for their development.\nInstead of transporting H<sub>2</sub>-derived H or H<sup>–</sup>, we transport only its electrons. We describe a fully functioning\nsystem with a Ni complex for electron extraction, ethyl viologen for\nelectron storage, and a NiFe complex for regenerating H<sub>2</sub>. Our system is notable for (1) working wholly at 20–40 °C,\n(2) not generating any CO<sub>2</sub>, (3) not using any precious\nmetals, and (4) having a recyclable carrier.