[sionnsar]

Not much for characterizing catalysts as "green", but if true this would be something to watch (not sure if PV will be the big application eventually, though).

[sagar]

But, but, but I thought it was impossible. How can it be?

[Don Corleone]

A liquid catalyst was added to water before electrolysis to achieve what the researchers claim is almost 100-percent efficiency.

IOW ...a perpetual motion device. YUP!

[1955Ford]

This is a poorly written article. It’s very difficult to figure out what they have done that hasn’t been done before.

[VaBthang4]

We gotta let it out

[the anti-liberal]

Ore. ping

[TFMcGuire]

Too many unanswered questions. Smacks of University of Utah’s cold fusion.

Article is worthless.

[Moonman62]

not sure if PV will be the big application eventually, though

I don't know why but they sure are making a big deal about using this with PV. That's what makes me suspicious. It would be very beneficial to make it easier to split water on a huge scale with electricity from any source.

I wonder if this is any better than the large solar collectors that use molten salt to store energy.

[Kevmo]

for the renewable energy ping list

[Moonman62]

By combining the two, excess capacity during the day could be stored as hydrogen and oxygen, then used in fuel cells at night when needed.

I usually don't see photovoltaics used with the phrase "excess capacity."

[neverdem]

Not much for characterizing catalysts as "green", but if true this would be something to watch (not sure if PV will be the big application eventually, though).

IMHO, I think you have it backwards. Wikipedia has a decent discussion of catalysis and catalysts. Catalysts just lower the energy of activation to get a reaction going forward. Photovoltaic cells capture the sun's free energy. Generating hydrogen from the electrolysis of water captures the energy for storage it in the form of hydrogen. It's just a storage medium. How you apply it is different. You lose energy anytime you convert it from one form to another according to the Second Law of Thermodynamics, IIRC. It will be lost as heat, so you may want to use the electricity from the PV cell as directly as possible, storing excess power as hydrogen.

[SuziQ]

Whaddya think?

[neverdem]

Here's a link to the abstract: In Situ Formation of an Oxygen-Evolving Catalyst in Neutral Water Containing Phosphate and Co²⁺

[Intolerant in NJ]

Researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology have combined a liquid catalyst with photovoltaic cells to achieve what they claim is a solar energy system that could generate electricity around the clock...with enough energy to power your typical iPod......

[SunkenCiv]

Ping!

[Uncledave]

Renewable Energy Ping

Please Freep Mail me if you'd like on/off

[SteamShovel]

Researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Ever since the "Scientists" at most universities have been pushing Global Warming as a FACT, I don't trust what they say.

I need more evidence from these researchers before I even believe they are telling the truth.