They write about their idea on the following pages Journal of the American Chemical SocietyExplaining that in the case of its fuel, ignition requires the presence of… electricity. In other words, the fire wouldn’t spread even if we directed it into a pool of this new fuel. This is a revolutionary achievement because we can imagine the increase in security that could come with this solution.
Read also: We can burst with pride. Polish batteries will power electric buses across the country
The benefits will be felt during storage and transportation. In this context, it is worth noting a well-known fact: it is not the liquid itself that burns, but rather the vapors containing volatile fuel particles floating in the air. The presence of oxygen and contact with the flame is necessary to trigger such a reaction. Of course, in theory we can cut off access to oxygen, but doing so is not easy.
The key to success for researchers from the United States was an ionic liquid in the form of a liquid salt. It is somewhat similar to sodium chloride, a commonly used table salt, although there are some differences to this alternative. It turns out that the melting point is lower, there is a lower vapor pressure, and the material itself is organic.
The fuel designed by scientists in the United States will not ignite unless an electrical voltage is applied
During laboratory tests, members of the research team replaced the chlorine with perchlorate. Then they used a lighter to see if the liquid would catch fire or not. impact? No fire spread. The scientists then applied the voltage and repeated the test. It caught fire this time, but cutting off the electricity was enough to stop the fire.
This is a remarkable achievement, especially since this solution works almost on demand: you can start ignition in the blink of an eye, but you can also end it quickly. Interestingly, larger flames appeared at higher voltages, and this may also have some useful applications. In theory, this fuel should be suitable for different types of vehicles, although tests will be necessary to show how it burns and how profitable it is.
Read also: Renault Clio E-Tech Spirit Alpine test. Clio hybrid better than LPG?
Among the benefits, one aspect cannot be overlooked: that innovative fuels can be mixed with commonly used fuels without losing the unique properties of the former. It is not yet known to what extent this mixing may occur, but this will be the subject of further research. Costs are perhaps the biggest issue standing in the way of popularizing this procedure. These rates will certainly be higher than they are now, but with mass production it will be possible to reduce them.
Echo Richards embodies a personality that is a delightful contradiction: a humble musicaholic who never brags about her expansive knowledge of both classic and contemporary tunes. Infuriatingly modest, one would never know from a mere conversation how deeply entrenched she is in the world of music. This passion seamlessly translates into her problem-solving skills, with Echo often drawing inspiration from melodies and rhythms. A voracious reader, she dives deep into literature, using stories to influence her own hardcore writing. Her spirited advocacy for alcohol isn’t about mere indulgence, but about celebrating life’s poignant moments.