A new study, undertaken by a group of chemistry researchers and led by Associate Professor Greg Metha at the University of Adelaide, has produced small metallic specks that kindle hope for generating clean hydrogen energy efficiently and cost- effectively.
They are researching the efficiency of nanoparticles as catalysts in utilizing solar energy to break up water into oxygen and hydrogen. Over 14 years, the researchers were studying the fusion and attributes of metal nanoparticles and their performance as catalysts at the molecular scale.
The researchers presently exploit metal clusters that measure one-quarter of a nanometer i.e. fewer than 10 atoms and their activity as efficient catalysts in inducing chemical reactions and cutting down the quantity of energy needed. They have found methods to generate the small metallic clusters researched their chemical actions and presently utilizing their catalytic attributes for the reactions that can benefit the use of industry and bring betterment to the environment.
The researchers who have tested the molecular level functioning of the catalysts successfully are now trying to test their functioning at the macroscopic level. The researchers are trying to use solar radiation as energy source to split up water to generate oxygen and hydrogen to complete the process cost -effectively. The process is anticipated to work efficiently to generate hydrogen cost- effectively without the release of carbon discharges. According to Metha, by using solar radiation as energy source, a number of chemical reactions such as changing carbon dioxide into methanol or methane with water can be performed by utilizing the catalysts.
The project titled, ‘Solar Hydrogen: photocatalytic generation of hydrogen from water’, is being funded by grants from a three year clean energy joint venture between Center for Energy Technology of University of Adelaide and Adelaide Airport.
Source: http://www.adelaide.edu.au/