March 19, 2010 at 15:44Hydrogen production using noise
An interesting technology was developed by scientists from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. In practical applications, it will help to create clean hydrogen generators (rather than “petroleum”, as it is now).
Scientists experimented with zinc oxide-based nanocrystals that demonstrate a piezoelectric effect under the influence of high-frequency vibration (for example, surface vibration from sound waves). Being immersed in a liquid, the crystal generates piezoelectricity and is capable of electrolyzing water with the release of hydrogen. By experimenting with crystal size, scientists were able to increase the efficiency of this process to 18%.
If such a piezoelectric is placed near a busy highway, then it will be able to generate hydrogen directly at a gas station.
The piezoelectrochemical effect (PZEC) with an efficiency of 18% looks promising. For comparison, the efficiency of conventional piezoelectric materials does not exceed 10%.
For the PZEC to work, any vibrations that can be removed not only from sound waves, but also from any other sources of vibration, for example, from the sea surf or railway rails, are suitable. Theoretically, even inside the car, you can put a source of energy and the fuel tank will be slightly refueled from the conversation of passengers.
As you know, it is precisely on hydrogen that they put their hope as an alternative to oil as the main source of energy for the future. Efficient hydrogen engines already exist, including for cars. For example, Honda has a great Honda FCX Clarity hydrogen engine . By the way, the president of Honda recentlystated that hydrogen is the future of the automotive industry.
Theoretically, hydrogen is no more dangerous fuel for a car than gasoline: although a wider range of concentrations is suitable for an explosion , it needs to be heated to a higher temperature (500 ° C for hydrogen versus 280 ° C for gasoline).
Scientists experimented with zinc oxide-based nanocrystals that demonstrate a piezoelectric effect under the influence of high-frequency vibration (for example, surface vibration from sound waves). Being immersed in a liquid, the crystal generates piezoelectricity and is capable of electrolyzing water with the release of hydrogen. By experimenting with crystal size, scientists were able to increase the efficiency of this process to 18%.
If such a piezoelectric is placed near a busy highway, then it will be able to generate hydrogen directly at a gas station.
The piezoelectrochemical effect (PZEC) with an efficiency of 18% looks promising. For comparison, the efficiency of conventional piezoelectric materials does not exceed 10%.
For the PZEC to work, any vibrations that can be removed not only from sound waves, but also from any other sources of vibration, for example, from the sea surf or railway rails, are suitable. Theoretically, even inside the car, you can put a source of energy and the fuel tank will be slightly refueled from the conversation of passengers.
As you know, it is precisely on hydrogen that they put their hope as an alternative to oil as the main source of energy for the future. Efficient hydrogen engines already exist, including for cars. For example, Honda has a great Honda FCX Clarity hydrogen engine . By the way, the president of Honda recentlystated that hydrogen is the future of the automotive industry.
Theoretically, hydrogen is no more dangerous fuel for a car than gasoline: although a wider range of concentrations is suitable for an explosion , it needs to be heated to a higher temperature (500 ° C for hydrogen versus 280 ° C for gasoline).