MIT's Solar Power Breakthrough

Posted by Susan Kristoff Aug 1, 2008

As reported in the July 31, 2008 issue of Science, researchers at MIT have developed a method that uses electricity generated from solar energy to create hydrogen and oxygen gasses from water. The gasses can be stored as needed, then used in fuel cells to generate electricity whenever it is needed.

The downside of solar power is that it can only be generated during the day. Energy storage for solar power, as well as other renewable energy sources, has been a perplexing challenge in bringing alternative power into the mainstream.

Daniel Nocera and Matthew Kanan of MIT created a process, inspired by photosynthesis, that uses non-toxic materials to split water into hydrogen and oxygen. These materials include cobalt, phosphate and platinum, which are far safer than the materials used in traditional electrolyzers.

Energy storage has been the key sticking point in the arena of alternative power. It is refreshing to see that this research is being performed (sponsored by the National Science Foundation and the Chesonis Family Foundation), and that successful breakthroughs are being reported. It is work like this that will help reduce the cost and accessibility of electricity both in industrialized nations and in remote third world villages.