Slashdot Mirror
Using Sun's Energy to Split Water Means Solar Power All Night
phorm writes "Reuters is carrying an article about a recent MIT development which may pave the way for solar-energy to be collected for use in low-input periods. According to Reuters, the discovery of the a new catalyst for separating hydrogen+oxygen from water requires only 10% of the electricity of current methods. This would allow storage-cells to function as a form of battery for other forms of energy-collection, such as solar panels. The new method is also much safer (and likely environmentally friendly) than current methods, which require the use of a dangerously caustic environment, and specialized storage containers." sanjosanjo points out coverage of the process at EE Times, which features the MIT group's press release.
I'd rather that we spend the money on bike paths. We all need the exercise.
Oh please what a corny uninformed post. Firstly, all companies are set up to be profitable. Secondly, many Americans own stock in companies like Exon through their 401K so in a sense many people are getting back their investment. Thirdly, if the MIT thing is genuine the 'hated' oil companies could simply buy the patent and move into the broader energy business. (Don't for one minute buy into the ' they buy the invention and suppress it silly view.) You may resent the oil companies, but at least they are keeping the money in the US. The oil states in the gulf and elsewhere are - in some cases - earning a billion dollars in a day!