Urine could power future cars
by Bradley Wint on July 14th, 2009 at 4:40 pm
Our fuel problem has been solved! Or has it? Ohio State University professor Gerardine Botte and her team have developed a nickel-based electrode that is able to oxidize urea [(NH2)2CO] that will help in assisting with the extraction of hydrogen atoms. Because the hydrogen atoms are less tightly packed than in a water molecule [H2O], extraction is much cheaper as well since it requires much less electricity per extraction cell.
Hydrogen is one of the most common elements in the world that can be used as fuel, but its current methods of extraction have limited its use. According to the university, it takes 1.23 volts to extract that hydrogen atom from the water molecule, while with pee, it only takes a tiny 0.037 volts, which is a big savings on power. Also, storing hydrogen in its pure form is costly because it requires tanks to keep it highly compressed under very cold conditions.
Who knew we were carrying the substance that could be converted to power! According to Botte, “one cow can provide enough energy to supply hot water for 19 houses.”
This is certainly some interesting technology to look forward to.
Via: Things are good | Image
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