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Harvesting clean hydrogen fuel through artificial photosynthesis

  • 07-05-2018 10:24am
    #1
    Capt'n Midnight
    Moderators, Recreation & Hobbies Moderators, Science, Health & Environment Moderators, Technology & Internet Moderators Posts: 90,649 Mod ✭✭✭✭


    https://phys.org/news/2018-05-harvesting-hydrogen-fuel-artificial-photosynthesis.html
    A new, stable artificial photosynthesis device doubles the efficiency of harnessing sunlight to break apart both fresh and salt water, generating hydrogen that can then be used in fuel cells.

    The device could also be reconfigured to turn carbon dioxide back into fuel.

    ....
    The device is made from the same widely used materials as solar cells and other electronics, including silicon and gallium nitride (often found in LEDs). With an industry-ready design that operates with just sunlight and seawater, the device paves the way for large-scale production of clean hydrogen fuel.

    ...
    He adds that 5 percent efficiency is the threshold for commercialization, but his team is aiming for 20 or 30 percent efficiency.


Comments

  • #2
    Black Swan
    Moderators, Category Moderators, Science, Health & Environment Moderators, Society & Culture Moderators Posts: 47,218 CMod ✭✭✭✭Black Swan


    He adds that 5 percent efficiency is the threshold for commercialization, but his team is aiming for 20 or 30 percent efficiency.
    5 percent efficiency may or may not be competitive with what OPEC and other oil producing countries may do to challenge any alternative to their hold on the market? For example, if their market shares are threatened, they could temporarily drop their prices? Then again, a 20 or 30 percent efficiency goal, if achieved, may be very competitive indeed against Big Oil.


  • #3
    Capt'n Midnight
    Moderators, Recreation & Hobbies Moderators, Science, Health & Environment Moderators, Technology & Internet Moderators Posts: 90,649 Mod ✭✭✭✭Capt'n Midnight


    With solar efficiency helps, but capital cost is king.

    Or it used to be, nowadays the cost of the site may be more than the solar itself.

    Higher efficiency means you need less land / can stick more Kw on an existing building.


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