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Wagamaga OP t1_j2xlpdj wrote

A new kind of solar panel, developed at the University of Michigan, has achieved 9% efficiency in converting water into hydrogen and oxygen—mimicking a crucial step in natural photosynthesis. Outdoors, it represents a major leap in the technology, nearly 10 times more efficient than solar water-splitting experiments of its kind.

But the biggest benefit is driving down the cost of sustainable hydrogen. This is enabled by shrinking the semiconductor, typically the most expensive part of the device. The team’s self-healing semiconductor withstands concentrated light equivalent to 160 suns.

Currently, humans produce hydrogen from the fossil fuel methane, using a great deal of fossil energy in the process. However, plants harvest hydrogen atoms from water using sunlight. As humanity tries to reduce its carbon emissions, hydrogen is attractive as both a standalone fuel and as a component in sustainable fuels made with recycled carbon dioxide. Likewise, it is needed for many chemical processes, producing fertilizers for instance.

“In the end, we believe that artificial photosynthesis devices will be much more efficient than natural photosynthesis, which will provide a path toward carbon neutrality,” said Zetian Mi, U-M professor of electrical and computer engineering who led the study reported in Nature.

https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-022-05399-1

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Tearakan t1_j2zgoff wrote

Wasn't the main issue with hydrogen is that it's so damn small it's very difficult to contain and use like we do for oil?

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[deleted] t1_j30ijoq wrote

Kind of. “Small” is a weird way to put it. The power density of gaseous hydrogen is very poor. It needs to be compressed to be able to transport any reasonable amount for power , which adds danger and reduces the net generation efficiency since power is required to run a compressor.

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charmingpea t1_j30mcom wrote

Atomically, Hydrogen can escape through the molecular lattices of most containing materials, and in some cases interacts with the container to degrade the containment as well.

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Tearakan t1_j31lj6j wrote

Not really. Physically hydrogen (I am assuming H2) is very small allowing it to leak out of what would be normally solid containers way more often than other fuels.

I wasn't aware if they had fixed this serious issue.

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Freebee5 t1_j34nkf7 wrote

Jcb seem to have a functional system with minimal disruption to current engine design or handler design. And fuel supply system seems pretty similar to current supply chains as an added bonus. https://i.imgur.com/PHSbUaV.jpg

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charmingpea t1_j2zppqc wrote

The light of 160 suns?

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scurp_durp t1_j300ptg wrote

I will rain down upon thee with the wrath of the golden gods!

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mexicoko t1_j33ptyp wrote

Stan Meyer is rolling in his grave RIP

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