Manipulated Molecules – International Research
In a previous newsletter we reported on research work that had been completed in Europe during 2006 & 2007 and concerned with hydrogen production.
In this article we look at that research again in an Australian context.
A molecular complex that uses solar energy to split water into hydrogen and oxygen has been developed by Imperial College London researchers. The liquid, which was formed by combining two molecules that occur naturally in blood, could provide an alternative to electrolysis for creating hydrogen fuel.
“This work has shown that it is possible to manipulate molecules and proteins that occur naturally in the human body by changing one small detail of their makeup,” said Dr Stephen Curry.
“It’s very exciting to prove that we can use these biological structures as a conduit to harness solar energy to separate water out into hydrogen and oxygen. In the long term, these synthetic molecules may provide a more environmentally friendly way of producing hydrogen, which can be used as a ‘green’ fuel.’
www.nature.com
Manipulated Molecules – Australian Research
The use of common catalysts found naturally in our plants and soils may be an option for the splitting of water and generating hydrogen based fuels.
The discovery that natural catalysts such as manganese can be controlled by humans for this purpose again highlights the importance of cautiously managing our natural resources.
And, as the following articles show there are social implications beyond the prospect of declining fossil fuels and an impending entropy crisis. If successful, what does a new energy future mean for population growth and its impact on natural resources?
Monash University
www.monash.edu.au-splitting-water
The Conversation
theconversation.edu.au-solar-fuel-project