A team of researchers from the University of California, Riverside (UC Riverside) has developed a new type of fuel that can only be ignited by electricity, not flames. This innovative fuel offers a safer alternative to traditional fuels like gasoline and diesel, which are highly flammable and can easily cause accidental fires during storage or transportation. The new fuel allows for more precise control of energy output and includes a safety feature that automatically interrupts combustion.
The basis of this new fuel is an ionic liquid that has similar properties to liquid salt. The researchers modified the composition of the liquid by replacing chlorine with perchlorate, which made it non-flammable when exposed to a flame. However, when the liquid was exposed to electricity, it produced a controlled flame that could be easily turned on and off. This feature could be used as a safety mechanism in engines, similar to a dead man’s switch, which automatically shuts off the machine if the operator becomes incapacitated.
The researchers believe that this new fuel could be used in any vehicle, but further testing is needed to determine its efficiency in different types of engines. This breakthrough could have significant implications for the transportation industry, as it offers a safer and more controlled alternative to traditional fuels.
