A team of scientists at the University of Cambridge has developed a way of using solar power to generate a fuel that is both sustainable and inexpensive to produce.
Lignocellulose is the main component of plant biomass and, up until now, its conversion into hydrogen has only been achieved through a gasification process which uses high temperatures to decompose it fully.
The new technology, however, relies on a simple photocatalytic conversion process. Catalytic nanoparticles are added to alkaline water in which the biomass is suspended and this solution is then placed in front of a light which mimics solar light. It absorbs this light and converts the biomass into gaseous hydrogen, free of fuel-cell inhibitors such as carbon monoxide, which allows it to be used for power.
The University is exploring a range of potential commercial options.
Source: University of Cambridge
Image credit: University of Cambridge
