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Correspondingly, is hydrogen a viable fuel alternative?
One hope for our energy future lies in hydrogen -- an infinitely renewable and relatively pollution-free fuel that scientists and politicians alike see as a viable alternative to fossil fuels. And if that wasn't enough, hydrogen fuel is about three times more efficient than gasoline [source: US News].
Keeping this in view, why is hydrogen not used as fuel?
Although hydrogen has the highest calorific value, it is not used as a domestic fuel. It is because hydrogen is a highly combustible and it reacts explosively when it comes in contact with air. So, even though hydrogen has the highest calorific value, it is not used as a domestic fuel.
Hydrogen fuel cells have been widely touted as an environmentally-friendly alternative to conventional fossil fuels. By oxidising molecular hydrogen, the only direct by-product of their energy generation is water, which means they could significantly reduce pollution and man-made greenhouse gases.