Manchester research develops low-carbon car technology

Researchers at the University of Manchester have won new funding to assess the use of a special polymer which could be used to effectively remove CO2 from power station or hydrogen production plants.

Studies funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council will assess the use of the material - whose structure resembles crispy noodles - which could also result in the development of the next generation of high-performance hydrogen cars.

Dr Peter Budd, a materials chemist working at the Organic Materials Innovation Centre, said: "The holes created in the polymer between molecules are a good fit for hydrogen.

"Hydrogen molecules stick in these holes and are kept there by weak forces - this means they can be released when they are needed."

He added that when hydrogen is needed to power a car, the system can raise the temperature to free up hydrogen molecules.

The Engineer Live website reports that there are high expectations for hydrogen fuel cells which can produce energy without releasing carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, particulates or oxides of nitrogen or sulphur.