Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) has long been used to whiten teeth, bleach hair, purify water and clean up cuts and abrasions. Hydrogen peroxide has also been used for years to fuel racecars, rockets and rocket packs as well.

In the past, hydrogen peroxide has been used as a propellant in submarines, torpedoes, satellites and spacecraft. Today, however, there has been talk of using hydrogen peroxide to power automobiles.

The only emissions from using hydrogen peroxide as fuel is heat, oxygen and water (steam), so it’s a very green way to power a vehicle. Hydrogen peroxide is also liquid, so it’s easy to store and transport.

China has developed the Habo No. 1, which is a modified Volkswagen that runs on hydrogen peroxide. But, aside from this vehicle, using hydrogen peroxide to fuel cars is a largely undeveloped segment in the automotive industry.

A novel approach to producing hydrogen peroxide for use in automobiles is to use fuel cells to produce the chemical. Currently, most hydrogen peroxide is produced using the Anthraquinone process, but other methods of developing the chemical are currently underway.

It would be a positive step to see the automobile manufacturers pick up the baton in regard to developing more cars that run on hydrogen peroxide. Like hydrogen fuel cell cars, those that run on hydrogen peroxide emit zero emissions. Having a liquid fuel such as hydrogen peroxide would solve many storage and transportation problems inherent in building a supporting infrastructure.

Filed under: Hydrogen Cars