The new design isn't yet commercially viable, but they have made tremendous progress in developing enzymes that are resistant to the presence of oxygen. The biofuel cell is also not affected by the presence of carbon monoxide which when present in platinum catalyst fuel cells poisons the cell. More information is available in the press release at the Read link- New 'biofuel cell' produces electricity from hydrogen in plain air
[Source: American Chemical Society (VIA - autobloggreen.com)] Oxford University scientists have presented a concept for a biofuel cell at the national meeting of the American Chemical Society. Dr. Fraser Armstrong described a new type of fuel cell that comprises enzymes called hydrogenases that can oxidize hydrogen through metabolism.
[Source: American Chemical Society (VIA - autobloggreen.com)] Oxford University scientists have presented a concept for a biofuel cell at the national meeting of the American Chemical Society. Dr. Fraser Armstrong described a new type of fuel cell that comprises enzymes called hydrogenases that can oxidize hydrogen through metabolism.
HAASE comments: Quote, "prototypes are generating enough electricity to power small electronic devices." So are my son's H2 project cars! I am not sure why impractical H2 and energy solutions continue to make headlines? While enzyme technology has added massive solutions to energy and waste disposal problems in recent years... the complete impracticality of H2 fuel cell technology needs to be shelved until it is economically feasible not a "pipe dream". Where's my H2 hovercar? I was told I would be driving one by age 30 when I was a kid in the 70's.
Seriously - I have more hope and optimism for H2 as a future source of energy than you can imagine. However, I have to live in a reality based world that has constantly proven that economic use of hydrogen is over a decade away. While, we need to continue hydrogen fuel research to even make the "decade" timeline feasible, our current fuel & environmental crisis will be at "painful" levels in five short years. The billions currently invested in hydrogen "dreams" needs to be assessed and redirected based on CURRENT, proven viable options that have existed since the original "oil crisis" of the 70's.
It is called risk based / impact economics... I think it was a 101 class ;-)