Advertisement

If you have an ACS member number, please enter it here so we can link this account to your membership. (optional)

ACS values your privacy. By submitting your information, you are gaining access to C&EN and subscribing to our weekly newsletter. We use the information you provide to make your reading experience better, and we will never sell your data to third party members.

ENJOY UNLIMITED ACCES TO C&EN

Energy

Hybrid Device Turns Biomass Into Power

Combo solar-fuel cell isn’t picky about biomass type or impurities

by Mitch Jacoby
February 24, 2014 | A version of this story appeared in Volume 92, Issue 8

A hybrid solar-fuel cell can directly produce electricity by oxidizing biomass, according to a study in Nature Communications (2014, DOI: 10.1038/ncomms4208). Such a device could reduce dependence on petroleum, cut CO2 emissions, and provide power for remote, off-grid use, say the developers, led by Georgia Tech chemical engineer Yulin Deng. One of the system’s key features is the presence of polyoxometalates (POMs) such as phosphomolybdic acid, a photocatalyst and charge carrier. When excited by sunlight, POMs in solution with biomass undergo reduction as they oxidize the organic compounds. A supply of oxygen on the fuel-cell side of the device reoxidizes the POMs and liberates electrons, generating current. Unlike most fuel cells, the device runs on impure starch, lignin, cellulose, and powdered wood. In addition, it does not rely on precious-metal anode catalysts.

Article:

This article has been sent to the following recipient:

0 /1 FREE ARTICLES LEFT THIS MONTH Remaining
Chemistry matters. Join us to get the news you need.