 |
| Types of Fuel Cells | The Basics | Fuel Cell News | Basics on Hydrogen | Search| |
|
| Types of Fuel Cells | The Basics | Fuel Cell News | Basics on Hydrogen | Search| |
|
|
Researchers
in Colorado are reporting the first successful “wiring up” of hydrogenase
enzymes. Those much-heralded proteins are envisioned as stars in a future
hydrogen economy where they may serve as catalysts for hydrogen production
and oxidation in fuel cells. Their report, describing a successful electrical
connection between a carbon nanotube and hydrogenase, is scheduled for
the Nov. issue of Nano Letters.
In the new study, Michael J. Heben, Paul W. King, and colleagues explain that bacterial enzymes called hydrogenases show promise as powerful catalysts for using hydrogen in fuel cells, which can produce electricity with virtually no pollution for motor vehicles, portable electronics, and other devices.
However, scientists report difficulty incorporating these enzymes into electrical devices because the enzymes do not form good electrical connections with fuel cell components. Currently, precious metals, such as platinum, are typically needed to perform this catalysis.
The researchers combined hydrogenase enzymes with carbon nanotubes, submicroscopic strands of pure carbon that are excellent electrical conductors. In laboratory studies, the researchers demonstrated that a good electrical connection was established using photoluminescence spectroscopy measurements.
These new “biohybrid” conjugates
could reduce the cost of fuel cells by reducing or eliminating the need
for platinum and other costly metal components, they say.
|
|
