Hydrogen Through History

The History of Hydrogen Energy and Hydrogen-Rich Water

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History of Hydrogen Energy

Early Discoveries and Recognition: In the 16th century, people observed that flammable gas was released when metals reacted with acids, but this wasn’t studied in depth. In 1766, British physicist Henry Cavendish first produced hydrogen gas by dissolving metals in acid and called it flammable air. In 1783, French chemist Antoine Lavoisier and engineer Jean Meusnier confirmed that hydrogen was a component of water through water synthesis and thermal decomposition of steam. In 1787, Lavoisier named this gas hydrogen, meaning water-producing.

Technological Development and Application Exploration: In 1800, British scientists William Nicholson and Anthony Carlisle discovered the electrolysis of water, laying the foundation for the later production of green hydrogen. In 1842, British judge and scientist William Grove invented the world’s first hydrogen fuel cell, marking a new stage in hydrogen energy utilization. In 1966, General Motors introduced the world’s first hydrogen fuel cell vehicle, the Electrovan.  

Modern Development and Promotion: In 2002, the world’s first hydrogen fuel cell-powered locomotive appeared in Quebec, Canada. In 2009, the Italian company Enel opened the world’s first power plant powered 100% by hydrogen – the Fusina Hydrogen Power Plant. In 2017, the Hydrogen Council was established at the World Economic Forum to promote hydrogen as a key player in the clean energy transition. In 2019, Alaka’i Technologies launched the world’s first hydrogen-powered aircraft, Skai.   

History of the Discovery and Use of Hydrogen-Rich Water

Origins of Hydrogen Medical Research: In 1975, American scientists published a paper in the journal Science reporting research on using high-pressure hydrogen gas to treat skin cancer. This was an early exploration of hydrogen’s applications in the medical field.

Introduction of the Hydrogen-Rich Water Concept: In 2007, Professor Shigeo Ohta of Nippon Medical School in Japan published research in Nature Medicine on the antioxidant effects of hydrogen, which generated widespread attention. Subsequently, the concept of hydrogen-rich water gradually emerged. This refers to drinking water enriched with hydrogen gas through specialized technologies.   

Application and Development of Hydrogen-Rich Water: With further research, the application of hydrogen-rich water in the health field has gained increasing attention. Some studies suggest that hydrogen-rich water may have various potential health benefits, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-aging effects. In countries like Japan and South Korea, hydrogen-rich water began to enter the market as a functional beverage and has gained popularity among consumers. In recent years, research and applications of hydrogen-rich water have continued to expand globally, and related products have become increasingly diverse.