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Novel enzyme discovered in intestinal bacteria

A novel glycyl radical enzyme has been discovered in Bilophila bacteria, responsible for degrading taurine and producing toxic hydrogen sulphide. The enzyme's oxygen-sensitivity and role in intestinal barrier permeability and colon cancer are being further investigated.

SourceUniversity of Konstanz·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 5, 2019

Estimation of technology level required for low-cost renewable hydrogen production

Researchers in Japan developed an integrated system combining photovoltaic power generation and rechargeable batteries to produce hydrogen at a globally competitive cost. The system can adjust the amount of battery charge/discharge and electrolysis hydrogen production in relation to solar power generated, enabling the production of hyd...

SourceNational Institute for Materials Science, Japan·JournalInternational Journal of Hydrogen Energy·DateJan 31, 2019

Semiconductors combine forces in photocatalysis

A two-dimensional heterostructure of black phosphorus and bismuth tungstate shows enhanced photocatalytic activity, splitting water and breaking down nitrogen monoxide more effectively than conventional materials. The addition of a platinum-based co-catalyst further boosts the process efficiency.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateJan 24, 2019

New catalyst produces cheap hydrogen

A new composite material enables electrochemical water splitting into hydrogen and oxygen without emissions. The catalyst uses cobalt, nickel oxide, and gold nanoparticles to produce cheap, clean hydrogen for fuel cells. This innovation has the potential to store renewable energy on a large scale.

SourceQueensland University of Technology·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateNov 29, 2018

Affordable catalyst for CO2 recycling

Researchers from Ruhr-University Bochum have developed a new catalyst using mineral pentlandite to convert carbon dioxide into valuable source materials. The catalyst's stability and ability to produce synthetic gas mixtures make it a promising approach to combat climate change.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalChemical Science·DateNov 16, 2018

Purple bacteria 'batteries' turn sewage into clean energy

Researchers have discovered a way to harness the power of purple phototrophic bacteria to recover valuable biofuels from organic waste in wastewater treatment plants. By using an electric current to optimize metabolic output, they can generate hydrogen gas with near-100% carbon recovery and minimal CO2 emissions.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Energy Research·DateNov 13, 2018

Artificial enzymes convert solar energy into hydrogen gas

Artificial enzymes convert solar energy into hydrogen gas using a new method developed by researchers at Uppsala University. The technique utilizes photosynthetic microorganisms with genetically inserted enzymes combined with synthetic compounds, enabling efficient production of renewable hydrogen gas from solar energy.

SourceUppsala University·JournalEnergy & Environmental Science·DateOct 4, 2018

Getting in Shape

Scientists have developed a novel approach to synthesize highly crystalline triazine frameworks, which demonstrate exceptional thermal stability and high photocatalytic efficiency. This method could be the starting point for industrial production of these frameworks.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateAug 21, 2018

Gas sensing gut pill beats breath test diagnosis

A breakthrough swallowable sensor has been found to be 3,000 times more accurate than current technology for diagnosing gut disorders. The gas-sensing capsule provides real-time detection and measurement of hydrogen, carbon dioxide, and oxygen in the gut.

SourceRMIT University·JournalAlimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics·DateAug 1, 2018

Novel approach for photosynthetic production of carbon neutral biofuel from green algae

Scientists at the University of Turku have discovered an efficient way to transform solar energy into chemical hydrogen through photosynthesis of green algae, extending hydrogen production by several days. The new method shows that a major obstacle to efficient hydrogen production is not oxygen, but competition between metabolic pathways.

SourceUniversity of Turku·JournalEnergy & Environmental Science·DateMay 3, 2018

How to make solar hydrogen year round

A new dynamic model proposes a seasonal control strategy with ceria particles to buffer the effect of solar radiation variation, enabling continuous hydrogen production. The system can store and release heat as needed, maximizing solar energy utilization and potentially increasing efficiency.

Research gives new ray of hope for solar fuel

A team of renewable energy experts at the University of Exeter has developed a new method to produce hydrogen from sunlight using a revolutionary photo-electrode. This breakthrough could create a virtually limitless energy source with zero carbon emissions and double the energy density of fossil fuels.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalScientific Reports·DateApr 27, 2018

Solar-to-hydrogen conversion: Nanostructuring increases efficiency of metal-free photocatalysts by factor 11

Researchers developed nanostructured polymeric carbon nitrides as catalysts for hydrogen production, increasing efficiency under visible light irradiation. The nanostructure with large pores and specific functionalities improved the catalytic properties, approaching that of inorganic catalysts.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalEnergy & Environmental Science·DateFeb 28, 2018

Is hydrogen the fuel of the future?

Global experts argue that solar-driven water splitting can become the technology of choice for producing hydrogen, reducing reliance on fossil fuels. However, significant research efforts are needed to industrialize this process and make it suitable for the 21st century and beyond.

SourceCambridge University Press·JournalMRS Energy & Sustainability·DateFeb 6, 2018

Ultrathin black phosphorus for solar-driven hydrogen economy

Researchers at Osaka University have developed a novel catalytic system to split water and make hydrogen using normal sunlight. The new catalyst combines nanostructured black phosphorus for water reduction and bismuth vanadate for water oxidation, achieving an ideal 2:1 ratio of hydrogen and oxygen production.

SourceOsaka University·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateJan 16, 2018

Russian scientists developed a new technology of energy generation from bituminous coal

Researchers have created an electrochemical generator that converts bituminous coal into electrical energy, producing only water and heat as byproducts. The technology has been proven effective in joint generation of electrical and heat energy, with the added benefit of a simpler configuration compared to existing coal power plants.

SourceUral Federal University·JournalInternational Journal of Hydrogen Energy·DateDec 15, 2017

Hydrogen gas from enzyme production

Scientists at Freie Universität Berlin and Ruhr-Universität Bochum have discovered how enzymes produce molecular hydrogen. The process involves two electrons being transferred to two hydrogen ions through proton-coupled electron transfer, a mechanism that could explain the production of hydrogen gas in other enzymes.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateDec 6, 2017

Turning emissions into fuel

MIT researchers have developed a new membrane-based system that can convert carbon dioxide into useful fuels for cars, trucks, and planes, as well as into chemical feedstocks. The process uses heat energy from solar or waste sources to store chemical energy in form of useful products.

Bridging the gap

A team of UCSB researchers has developed a single-step method to convert methane into hydrogen while preventing the formation of carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas. The process uses molten metals and results in a solid form of carbon that can be readily transported and stored indefinitely.

NIR-driven H2 evolution from water: Expanding wavelength range for solar energy conversion

Researchers at Kyushu University developed a device harnessing near-infrared light to drive the water-splitting reaction and produce hydrogen gas efficiently. This breakthrough enables a broader spectrum of light to be harvested, including UV, visible, and NIR, increasing the potential for clean energy storage.

SourceKyushu University, I2CNER·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateNov 17, 2017

Hydrogen power moves a step closer

Scientists are developing methods to create renewable fuel from water using quantum technology, marking a significant step forward in the pursuit of sustainable energy. The Global Precipitation Measurement mission revealed intense downpours within Hurricane Jose's powerful convective storms.

SourceLancaster University·JournalScientific Reports·DateSep 14, 2017

Solar hydrogen production by artificial leafs: Scientists analysed how a special treatment improves cheap metal oxide photoelectrodes

Researchers found that a heat treatment under hydrogen doubles the life span of charge carriers in metal oxide photoelectrodes, leading to improved photocurrent under sunlight. This breakthrough could potentially reduce costs and increase stability for commercialization.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalAdvanced Energy Materials·DateAug 28, 2017

Carbon conversion

A Caltech team has identified a new additive that selectively converts CO2 into fuels containing multiple carbon atoms, including ethylene, ethanol, and propanol. The reaction resulted in an 80% conversion rate, with only 20% going into hydrogen and methane.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalDNA Research·DateAug 3, 2017

How enzymes produce hydrogen

Enzymes called [FeFe]-hydrogenases efficiently convert electrons and protons into hydrogen, offering a potential solution for biotechnological production of the energy source. The team's discovery reveals the crucial role of a complex structure called the H-cluster in facilitating this process.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 21, 2017