Scientists Create Ultra-Efficient Solar Powered Fuel Cells

[LockH]

... for Capturing and Converting Carbon:
http://inhabitat.com/scientists-create-ultra-efficient-solar-powered-fuel-cells-for-capturing-and-converting-carbon/

(Pic caption
Researchers have killed two climate birds with one stone after coming up with a new way to capture carbon dioxide and turn it into useful chemical compound via solar energy. In collaboration with New Jersey-based startup, Liquid Light Inc., Princeton University scientists have been able to turn a combination of carbon dioxide and water into formic acid using an electrochemical cell that’s fully powered by solar energy from local utility provider, Public Service Electric and Gas (PSE&G).

EDIT: Liquid Light Inc. on Face Plant (sp?)
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Liquid-Light-Inc/111627538920276

 

[wb9k]

Need more details.....what a surprise. My first question: how much water does the process consume? I assume it must be fresh water?

 

[Kingfish]

2% efficiency is not promising.

In a somewhat related development announced last week, the US Navy is researching how to create it's own fuel by extracting CO2 from seawater and combining with Hydrogen to create methyl-based hydrocarbons.

~KF

 

[LockH]

Haven't checked lately... Current price (cost) of Carbon Dioxide, anybuddy? (If close to "zero", EVen just 2% may be considered a "freebie"... in return for one-time cost to buy/install/maintain over useful productive life. (Sorry, bean counter hat was ON.)






(briefly)

 

[Dauntless]

He's trying to say that 2% efficiency is bad because of the size and cost of a system that produces so little electricity.

The Navy has talked about seawater power for years. That's really all it is, another 'Look at the great things working on' campaign.

When are they going to come up with a solar system that sucks up the radiation running loose in Japan to create electricity?

 

[LockH]

Hehe... Perhaps missing from equation "energy consumption per capita per annum".

 

[LockH]

"Fuel Cells Get Ready for Prime Time" (Nice overview of cell tech.)
http://www.assemblymag.com/articles/92125-fuel-cells-get-ready-for-prime-time