Scientists have recently discovered that, among other sources, still water can generate renewable energy. Using an electrolyzer, water is broken into hydrogen and oxygen. In this process, catalysts are needed for oxygen production, most of which are not cheap, nor environment-friendly.
However, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology has developed a new type of catalyst 200 percent more efficient than former ones, made of platinum. The new catalyst to be produced within two years is made of nickel-borate and uses a safe technology.
The MIT study is part of a research aimed at identifying new sources of energy that could make households and businesses energy self-sufficient.
“Our goal is to make each home its own power station. We’re working toward development of “personalized” energy units that can be manufactured, distributed and installed inexpensively. There certainly are major obstacles to be overcome – existing fuel cells and solar cells must be improved, for instance. Nevertheless, one can envision villages in India and Africa not long from now purchasing an affordable basic system,” said Daniel Nocera.
Finally, according to scientists from MIT, such a system could produce green energy all day long, even in the absence of sunlight. Thus energy for lighting, cooking, heating or even charging electric cars could be obtained easily.
[Source: Gizmag]
