Start-up says it can make hydrogen with sunlight and water

In summary, a company called Nanoptek has developed a low-cost, durable titania electrode that can split water molecules into hydrogen and oxygen using sunlight. This is similar to how silicon solar cells operate. Other companies have attempted to use titania electrodes in the past, but Nanoptek's electrodes are more successful due to their brittleness and stressed crystal lattice. However, it is uncertain if this technology can be produced at a low enough cost to be commercially viable. The article also mentions a microbe that can produce hydrogen with sunlight energy, potentially referring to purple non-sulfur bacteria.
  • #1
SF
http://www.news.com/8301-11128_3-9852737-54.html

The Maynard, Mass.-based company, which Wednesday announced that it has raised $4.7 million, has come up with a low-cost, durable titania electrode that can split water molecules into hydrogen and oxygen.

Sunlight hits the electrode, and the electrode splits the light into a positive charge (called a hole) and an electron. Before the two charges can rejoin, the electron gets captured by the electrode and then is exploited to split water. Silicon solar cells operate on the same principle.

Other companies have tried to use titania electrodes for this job in the past, but they broke down relatively rapidly, according to Nanoptek. The company's electrodes work better because, ironically, they are more brittle. The crystal lattice in the electrode is stressed, i.e. additional materials are added. (Semiconductor makers similarly stress their chips with germanium to create strained silicon, which improves performance.)
 
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  • #2
I doubt they can do it inexpensively enough to make it commercially viable. Solar cells are expensive.
 
  • #3
Sunlight hits the electrode, and the electrode splits the light into a positive charge (called a hole) and an electron. Before the two charges can rejoin, the electron gets captured by the electrode and then is exploited to split water. Silicon solar cells operate on the same principle.

Like so many popular media reports, this is nonsense. Of course we have no way of knowing what the author meant to say.
 
  • #4
The article makes reference to a microbe that can produce hydrogen with input energy from sunlight.. Would anyone know what the microbe is called and where would you find them?
 
  • #5
Could it be purple non-sulfur bacteria? Seems to be the rage.
 

1. How is it possible to make hydrogen with just sunlight and water?

This is possible through a process called photoelectrochemical water splitting. In this process, sunlight is used to create an electrical current which is then applied to water, causing it to split into hydrogen and oxygen.

2. Is this technology cost-effective?

Yes, this technology is highly cost-effective compared to other methods of producing hydrogen. Since it only requires sunlight and water, the production costs are low and do not rely on expensive materials or energy sources.

3. Can this technology be scaled up for industrial use?

Yes, this technology has the potential to be scaled up for industrial use. The process is relatively simple and can be easily replicated on a larger scale, making it suitable for industrial applications.

4. What are the potential environmental benefits of using this technology?

Using this technology can greatly reduce carbon emissions as it does not rely on fossil fuels for hydrogen production. Additionally, the only byproduct of this process is oxygen, which is beneficial for the environment.

5. Are there any limitations or challenges to this technology?

One limitation of this technology is the need for direct sunlight, which may not be available in all locations. Additionally, the efficiency of the process is still being improved, so further advancements may be needed before it can be widely adopted.

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