An extract from the commonly used spice, turmeric could pave the way to safer and better fuel cells.
Image Credit: Shutterstock.com/tarapong srichaiyos
Scientists at the Clemson Nanomaterials Institute (CNI) and their partners from the Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning (SSSIHL) in India found a unique method to integrate curcumin, a component in turmeric, and gold nanoparticles to make an electrode that needs 100 times less energy to change ethanol into electricity in an efficient manner.
While further testing still needs to be conducted, the researchers believe that this discovery could pave the way for substituting hydrogen as a fuel cell feedstock.
Of all the catalysts for alcohol oxidation in alkaline medium, the one we prepared is the best so far.
Apparao Rao, Founding Director and the R. A. Bowen Professor of Physics, College of Science, Clemson…