CO2 “reenergizing”.
Sandia National Labs is continuing its research on using sunlight to convert CO2 into CO, a much more usable gas that can be converted into fuels and other chemicals. From the Press Release:
Using concentrated solar energy to reverse combustion, a research team from Sandia National Laboratories is building a prototype device intended to chemically “reenergize” carbon dioxide into carbon monoxide using concentrated solar power. The carbon monoxide could then be used to make hydrogen or serve as a building block to synthesize a liquid combustible fuel, such as methanol or even gasoline, diesel and jet fuel.
Cheaper Fuel Cell Membranes
Researchers at Ames national labs has made a discovery in developing cheaper fuel cell membranes. In short, the scientists used techniques to survey the properties of a very high-performance membrane called Nafion. They discovered that the long chains tend to have very small defects that, when aligned with each other, form channels throughout the structure of the membrane. These channels facilitate better mass transfer mechanics throughout the membrane including better dewatering properties (very important) and high-temperature operation. This knowledge could allow for developing ways of building in these properties in future designs that push these new properties into areas that could make fuel cells more commercially viable.
Geothermal smell test
Technology Review is reporting that researchers at Lawrence Berkeley National Labs and Arizona State have discovered a possible means of detecting suitable geothermal spots. In short, they have discovered a correlation between geothermal activity and a concentration of Helium isotopes. Essentially, elevated levels of H-3, very prevalent in the earth’s mantle, but not the earth’s crust, gives an indication of exposure to the mantle’s heat resources.
Read the Technology Review Article »
Just a reminder: why we like gasoline
I know everyone’s touting the Tesla roadster as a high-performance hot-rod that pollutes less. But…just as a reminder – this is why we like gasoline.
CNET Review of the 2008 Saleen S302
0-60 in < 4 seconds (like the Tesla), but a little more traditional design, nicer interior, and other options. And…you get a stick shift (which I swear by). It’s cheaper too.
2 Comments
As I suspected, you have no real intelligent comments , just cutting and pasting from the work of others
D.C. I would encourage you to read some of my posts a little more closely. You’re right, much of what I post is merely informational with some brief comments about it. I disagree with your sentiment as I think posting informational sites/references isn’t of value. I save my really insightful statements for employers. I generally only blog on public information. That may not be interesting to you, but I think there’s a lot of value that readers get out of it (let alone myself).
If you want a battle of wits, I’m game. Name the content.
Oh, and if you’re interested in where I went to college you can read the “About” page.