What energy will be used in the future?

Atomic energy, solar energy, and energy from wind and bio fuels are just a few of the promising alternatives for a cleaner and greener future. Other relatively new sources of energy such as fuel cells, geothermal energy, and ocean energy are also being explored.

What is the catalyst in a fuel cell?

The fuel cells typically use a platinum catalyst to speed up the reaction at the oxygen electrode, but platinum is expensive. The start-up and operation of the fuel cell also introduces side reactions that damage the efficacy of the catalyst.

Is hydrogen energy the future?

A McKinsey & Company report co-authored with industry estimated that the hydrogen economy could generate $140 billion in annual revenue by 2030 and support 700,000 jobs. The study also projected that hydrogen could meet 14 percent of total American energy demand by 2050.

Why is platinum a catalyst?

Platinum works as a catalyst by collecting oxygen atoms (O), and letting them bind with the toxic carbon monoxide (CO), to create the less harmful carbon dioxide (CO2). The researchers discovered that the oxygen atoms are somewhat “loose,” so that they can easily react with other substances.

What makes a good fuel cell catalyst?

A good catalyst should be able to split up oxygen molecules into atoms but should not bind too strongly with the free atoms; the shorter distance between platinum atoms in the new material makes it a more effective catalyst because it binds even more weakly with the oxygen atoms.

Is fuel cell the future?

In the future, fuel cells could power our cars, with hydrogen replacing the petroleum fuel that is used in most vehicles today. If pure hydrogen is used as a fuel, fuel cells emit only heat and water as a byproduct. Hydrogen-powered fuel cells are also far more energy efficient than traditional combustion technologies.

Is clean hydrogen the future?

Clean hydrogen is touted as the future fuel of the EU, promising to deliver an abundance of carbon-neutral energy by 2030. It will power long haul freight vehicles, airplanes, steel production and domestic heating, proponents say. Start-ups and researchers are working across the entire hydrogen value chain.