RMIT University have been developing a paint that takes moisture from the air and splits it into oxygen and hydrogen. The hydrogen can be captured and used as a clean source of fuel!
Some Science
The paint works like the silica beads we commonly find in newly bought items to keep them dry. The RMIT developed compound (Synthetic Molybdenum-Sulphide) also acts like a semi-conductor. It catalyses the separation of hydrogen and oxygen from water.
The Best Bit
The researchers have discovered that they can "mix the compound with titanium oxide particles [which] leads to a sunlight-absorbing paint."
Incase you are wondering about titanium oxide, it is already used in many paint formulas.
Applications of the technology
This could be used everywhere, according to the researchers it can even be used in dry climates where the moisture in the air is lower. Obviously it will be more efficient when there is humidity.
This technology is a step in the right direction as some people believe that solar panels or wind turbines are ugly. This green technology is totally disguised.
Used in Fuel Cells
One of the reasons hydrogen powered cars hasn't taken off is due to the high costs of creating hydrogen. Hopefully, this tech will reduce the costs of producing hydrogen to enable fuel cell cars to be part of our future.
Further Reading
Torben Daeneke, et al. Surface Water Dependent Properties of Sulfur-Rich Molybdenum Sulfides: Electrolyteless Gas Phase Water Splitting. ACS Nano, 2017; DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.7b01632
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