New catalyst may impact energy storage (MIT, electrolysis)

[marcus]

this EurekAlert page links to a MIT press release describing the operation of the new catalyst and potential applications

http://search.eurekalert.org/e3/query.html?qt=Nocera&col=ev3rel&qc=ev3rel&x=12&y=16

Dan Nocera is the main person responsible. Here's a ScienceDaily account
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080731143345.htm

I can't tell how important this development really is. It allows the electrolysis of pH neutral water, apparently. Usual electrolysis requires an alkaline solution, apparently. I don't see any figures about efficiency. It seems to me that it could be important but I can't be sure. Any thoughts?

[GCT]

this EurekAlert page links to a MIT press release describing the operation of the new catalyst and potential applications

http://search.eurekalert.org/e3/query.html?qt=Nocera&col=ev3rel&qc=ev3rel&x=12&y=16

Dan Nocera is the main person responsible. Here's a ScienceDaily account
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080731143345.htm

I can't tell how important this development really is. It allows the electrolysis of pH neutral water, apparently. Usual electrolysis requires an alkaline solution, apparently. I don't see any figures about efficiency. It seems to me that it could be important but I can't be sure. Any thoughts?




This is very interesting . The catalyst should work with an efficiency comparable to that of the platinum catalyst with respect to solid surface phenomena . Old tricks for electrolysis required a charged solution so to make electron transfer throughout the solution more feasible . Could the future of the US be that every household are equipped with these devices ?