Exploring Alternatives to Nuclear Energy: Generating Energy from Chemicals

In summary, researchers have developed a new method of generating electric power using the electrokinetic properties of liquids, particularly tap water. However, this method is still in the early stages of development and may not be as safe or economical as other sources, such as nuclear energy. Additionally, using water as a source for energy may not be feasible and there are ongoing efforts to make it biologically and store it effectively.
  • #1
wunderkind
12
0
Is it possible to generate energy from chemicals in a way that would be economical, and safer compared to nuclear energy, such as the removal of electrons, etc?
 
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  • #2
Well there's one way I read about that uses water in some weird way
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2003/10/031020054036.htm

new method of generating electric power by harnessing the natural electrokinetic properties of a liquid, such as ordinary tap water, when it is pumped through tiny microchannels

What do you mean by "removal of electrons"? Do you mean something like a plasma or do you mean ionic compounds?
 
  • #3
Well, there's always:

CnH(2n+2) + O2 --> CO2 + H2O

It's more economical then nuclear energy, but arguably less safe.

There's:

H2 + O2 --> H2O

But the safety and economics of it is still in the early development stage.
 
  • #4
Chemicalsuperfreak said:
H2 + O2 --> H2O

But the safety and economics of it is still in the early development stage.

That won't work. The electrolysis takes more energy than the combustion (or fuel cell) gives off.
 
  • #5
The answer depends on where, when, for what, how you are using the energy. For example, a solar collector would be cheaper in a deserted place than nuclear power 1,000 km far.
 
  • #6
ShawnD said:
That won't work. The electrolysis takes more energy than the combustion (or fuel cell) gives off.


That's why it's not very economical. Obviously if they tried to make it from water it wouldn't work. Most nowdays comes from oil reserves. They're working on ways to make it biologically. There's also problems with storing it. So we're aways from making it work well.
 

1. What are the main alternatives to nuclear energy?

Some of the main alternatives to nuclear energy include renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, hydro, and geothermal power. Other alternatives include fossil fuels, such as coal and natural gas, and biofuels.

2. How can energy be generated from chemicals?

Energy can be generated from chemicals through a process called chemical reaction or combustion. This involves breaking down the chemical bonds of a substance and releasing energy in the form of heat, which can then be used to power turbines and generate electricity.

3. What are the advantages of using chemical energy over nuclear energy?

One advantage is that chemical energy can be produced using a variety of sources, whereas nuclear energy relies on a limited resource of uranium. Additionally, chemical energy does not produce radioactive waste like nuclear energy does.

4. Are there any disadvantages to using chemical energy?

Some disadvantages of using chemical energy include air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, depending on the type of fuel used. There is also a risk of accidental explosions or fires when handling certain chemicals.

5. How feasible is it to rely on chemical energy as our main source of energy?

Relying solely on chemical energy would not be feasible as it would require a significant amount of resources and may not be sustainable in the long term. However, incorporating it as one part of a diverse energy portfolio can help reduce our dependence on nuclear energy and other non-renewable sources.

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