Biohydrogen? | Green Energy News

June 22, 2003 – Vol.8 No.13

BIOHYDROGEN?

Using the right metal catalyst organic waste, especially that rich in glucose, could be an easy source of hydrogen for a hydrogen economy.

Researchers at the University of Wisconsin have determined that a combination of nickel, tin and aluminum could be used in place of platinum as a catalyst to break down organic material rich in glucose such as paper sludge, corn stover or perhaps cheese into hydrogen and carbon dioxide.

In the process organic material is fed into a pressure-cooker-like device filled with pellets made from the three metals. When heated to 225 C (440 F) the feed stock breaks up into the two gases. Carbon dioxide could be separated out. With the feed stock being bio-matter the carbon dioxide would be reabsorbed as new plants grow making the cycle greenhouse gas neutral - provided that a CO2 free or neutral source of energy was used to operate the system.

A pilot plant is apparently being developed that would be operated at dairy processing plant where wastes would be feed stock.

Visit the University of Wisconsin Madison at http://www.wisc.edu/ .