via phys.org
Chemists at The University of Texas at Arlington have been the first to demonstrate that an organic semiconductor polymer called polyaniline is a promising photocathode material for the conversion of carbon dioxide into alcohol fuels without the need for a co-catalyst.
“This opens up a new field of research into new applications for inexpensive, readily available organic semiconducting polymers within solar fuel cells,” said principal researcher Krishnan Rajeshwar, UTA distinguished professor of chemistry and biochemistry and co-Director of UTA’s Center for Renewable Energy, Science & Technology.
“These organic semiconducting polymers also demonstrate several technical advantages, including that they do not need a co-catalyst to sustain the conversion to alcohol products and the conversion can take place at lower temperatures and use less energy, which would further reduce costs,” Rajeshwar added.
Rajeshwar and his co-author Csaba Janaky, professor in the Department of Physical Chemistry and Materials Science at the University of Szeged, recently published their findings in The Royal Society of Chemistry journal ChemComm as
“Polyaniline films photoelectrochemically reduce CO2 to alcohols.”
In this proof-of-concept study, the researchers provide insights into the unique behavior of polyaniline obtained from photoelectrochemical measurements and adsorption studies, together with spectroscopic data. They also compared the behavior of several conducting polymers.
The stationary currents recorded after two hours during testing suggests that the polyaniline layer maintained its photoelectrochemical efficacy for the studied time period. While in the gas phase, only hydrogen was detected, but potential fuels such as methanol and ethanol were both detected in the solution for carbon dioxide-saturated samples.
“Apart from these technical qualities, as a polymer, polyaniline can also be easily made into fabrics and films that adapt to roofs or curved surfaces to create the large surface areas needed for photoelectrochemical reduction, eliminating the need for expensive and dangerous solar concentrators,“ Rajeshwar added.
Frederick MacDonnell, chair of UTA’s Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, underlined the importance of this research in the context of UTA’s focus on global environmental impact within the Strategic Plan 2020: Bold Solutions|Global Impact.
“Dr. Rajeshwar’s ongoing leadership in research around new materials for solar fuel generation is vital in a world where we all recognize the need to reduce the impact of carbon dioxide emissions,” MacDonnell said. “Finding an inexpensive, readily-available photocathode material could open up new options to create cheaper, more energy-effective solar fuel cells.”
The Latest on: Solar fuel cell
[google_news title=”” keyword=”Solar fuel cell” num_posts=”10″ blurb_length=”0″ show_thumb=”left”]
via Google News
The Latest on: Solar fuel cell
- India's First Hydrogen-Powered Fuel Cell Bus To Run From September 25on September 23, 2023 at 1:07 am
In a significant stride toward sustainable transportation, India is set to unveil its first hydrogen-powered fuel cell bus on September 25, with Unio ...
- New poppy seed-sized fuel pellets could power nuclear reactors on the moonon September 22, 2023 at 10:59 am
Scientists have developed a nuclear fuel source no larger than a seed, which NASA will test for use in future moon missions.
- Volvo’s fuel cell truck advances but battery-electric is biggest pushon September 22, 2023 at 3:59 am
Volvo Group had scant interest in producing fuel cell trucks five years ago. Now they play a role in the pursuit of zero-emissions trucking.
- China solar cell prices hit record lowson September 21, 2023 at 9:58 pm
Solar cell prices in China fell to their lowest values ever according to OPIS data. Mono M10 and Mono G12 cells both dipped more than 3% to $0.0865/W and $0.0856/W respectively, while TOPCon M10 cells ...
- Director spotlights trends in fuel cell technologyon September 21, 2023 at 3:03 pm
Lastly, several vehicle manufacturers are exploring innovative designs by integrating solar panels into the car's boot, roof and bonnet, in conjunction with hydrogen fuel cells, as an alternative to ...
- Solar Panel Efficiency Explained (2023)on September 21, 2023 at 12:52 pm
These numbers may seem low, but keep in mind that solar cells use a free energy input with zero emissions (sunlight). Fossil fuel power plants can reach efficiency levels of around 60%, but the energy ...
- Liberty County solar farm project secures $200 million in financingon September 20, 2023 at 10:22 am
The under-construction solar farm about 50 miles northeast of Houston is expected to generate 134 megawatts of electricity for the Midcontinent Independent System Operator, which serves part of Texas.
- Offshore wind, solar along San Diego highways and more: Some key energy bills heading to Newsom’s deskon September 19, 2023 at 12:30 pm
Assembly Bill 1373 is primarily aimed at smoothing the way for the state to erect giant offshore wind turbines off the coasts of Morro Bay and Humboldt County. The legislation will also help develop ...
- How do solar panels work? Here is how PV cells convert sunlight to electricityon August 23, 2023 at 5:06 pm
Each has its own properties and fuel processes that make aspects ... many cells are in each panel: The more PV cells, the more electricity. Yes, solar energy is renewable. In fact, it is "the ...
via Bing News
