Iron: fuel of the future?

Sparks inside a burner

Source: © Tu/e, Bart van Overbeeke

Investigating whether iron powder could fill the energy gaps left by batteries and renewable energy

Anyone who has drawn shapes in the night sky using light from a sparkler has witnessed burning metal, yet few would automatically think of metals as an energy source. Read the article to find out how metals such as iron offer a promising way to store renewable energy and to power long-distance transport and heavy industry. Download the accompanying resource on oxidation and reduction, suitable for the 14–16 age group.

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