In a revolutionary leap that could transform solar power from a marginal, boutique alternative into a mainstream energy source, MIT researchers have overcome a major barrier to large-scale solar power: storing energy for use when the sun doesn't shine.
Daniel G. Nocera, Professor of Energy at MIT in collaboration with Matthew Kanan have developed a simple method to split water molecules and produce oxygen gas, a discovery that paves the way for large-scale use of solar power.
In this video Nocera reflects on how photosynthesis works for plant life, which led him to develop a process to use the energy from the sun by splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen gases. Later, when it's needed, the gases can be combined inside a fuel cell. That reconnection creates carbon-free electricity that can be used to power an office building, a home or even an electric car, whether the sun is shining or not.
According to the Professor; The process uses natural materials, is inexpensive to construct and is easy to set up, and, "that's why I know this is going to work. It's so easy to implement.This is the nirvana of what we've been talking about for years, Solar power has always been a limited, far-off solution. Now, we can seriously think about solar power as unlimited and soon."
The researchers developed a new catalyst, consisting of cobalt metal, phosphate and an electrode. When the catalyst is placed in water and electricity runs through the electrode, oxygen gas is produced. When another catalyst is used to produce hydrogen gas, the oxygen and hydrogen can be combined inside a fuel cell, creating carbon-free electricity to power a house or an electric car, day or night.
Thus together with Solar panels are semiconductors (often found on rooftops) that transform sunlight into electricity will effectively establish your house as your own personal power station ?
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