Legba Posted August 5, 2008 (edited) Full Article In a revolutionary leap that could transform solar power from a marginal, boutique alternative into a mainstream energy source, MIT researchers have overcome a major barrier to large-scale solar power: storing energy for use when the sun doesn't shine. The key component in Nocera and Kanan's new process is a new catalyst that produces oxygen gas from water; another catalyst produces valuable hydrogen gas. The new catalyst consists of cobalt metal, phosphate and an electrode, placed in water. When electricity -- whether from a photovoltaic cell, a wind turbine or any other source -- runs through the electrode, the cobalt and phosphate form a thin film on the electrode, and oxygen gas is produced. Combined with another catalyst, such as platinum, that can produce hydrogen gas from water, the system can duplicate the water splitting reaction that occurs during photosynthesis. The new catalyst works at room temperature, in neutral pH water, and it's easy to set up, Nocera said. "That's why I know this is going to work. It's so easy to implement," he said. Edited August 5, 2008 by Legba Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ThunderIdeal Posted August 6, 2008 this method of energy storage (splitting and bonding molecules) seems like the way to go, although i had the impression it had already been developed. if these bat'bats are also cheap and long-lived then it really solves the solar issue for household use, and could make electric cars more viable. i read something a couple years back saying this could even be used to power flight. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
apothecary Posted August 6, 2008 This is the same reaction used in those "revolutionary" Japanese cars that only run off a cup of water or whatever. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ThunderIdeal Posted August 6, 2008 what happened with them? are you sure? if i understand it right, the reaction still requires energy input so to say you can run things on water is way off. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
FungalFractoids Posted August 20, 2008 what happened with them? are you sure? if i understand it right, the reaction still requires energy input so to say you can run things on water is way off. Well, hydrogen has always been a case of storing energy - just a very, very inefficient way of doing so. The revolutionary part about this is that it is storing solar energy and not fossil fuel energy. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Torsten Posted August 22, 2008 Well, hydrogen has always been a case of storing energy - just a very, very inefficient way of doing so. The revolutionary part about this is that it is storing solar energy and not fossil fuel energy. Hydrogen is not a poor energy storage molecule at all. The inefficient part is the conversion from bonded hydrogen to free hydrogen. While the splitting of water is nothing new, the really crappy efficiency of the process has left most people unimpressed. It seems that this new process is more efficient and hence a step forward. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MarsOfOld Posted October 14, 2008 Some practical method of storing hydrogen in densities capable of powering cars for at least 300 miles would be much more important. High pressure tanks just don't cut it. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
