Artificial Photosynthesis (Solar Hydrogen production) Moves A Step Closer

[OKIsItJustMe]

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080325104519.htm

Artificial Photosynthesis Moves A Step Closer

ScienceDaily (Mar. 25, 2008) — Jülich scientists have made an important step on the long road to artificially mimicking photosynthesis. They were able to synthesise a stable inorganic metal oxide cluster, which enables the fast and effective oxidation of water to oxygen.

Artificial photosynthesis may decisively contribute to solving energy and climate problems, if researchers find a way to efficiently produce hydrogen with the aid of solar energy.

Hydrogen is regarded as the energy carrier of the future. The automobile industry, for example, is working hard to introduce fuel cell technology starting in approximately 2010. However, a fuel cell drive system can only be really environmentally friendly, if researchers succeed in producing hydrogen from renewable sources. Artificial photosynthesis, i.e. the splitting of water into oxygen and hydrogen with the aid of sunlight, could be an elegant way of solving this problem.

However, the road to success is littered with obstacles. One of the obstacles to be overcome is the formation of aggressive substances in the process of water oxidation. Plants solve this problem by constantly repairing and replacing their green catalysts. A technical imitation depends on more stable catalysts as developed and synthesised for the first time by a team from Research Centre Jülich, member of the Helmholtz Association, and from Emory University in Atlanta, USA. The new inorganic metal oxide cluster with a core consisting of four ions of the rare transition metal ruthenium catalyses the fast and effective oxidation of water to oxygen while remaining stable itself.

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[Ichingcarpenter]

1. This is a major breakthrough on so many levels

I wonder if they broke the 2.5 volt of power threshold to convert it?

[Johonny]

2. Given the handling problems with hydrogen

I really have doubts to it's use as the energy carrier of the future. Still it's interesting.

[12string]

3. They have come a long way

since the Hindenberg.I believe they have overcome the problems you mention.

[eppur_se_muova]

4. Hmmm ... maybe interesting, but more technical details needed.

I see it's in AC-IE2, so should be in our Univ. library. Will have to take a peek.

[suziedemocrat]

5. Great! Thanks for the post.