ENVR 188 |
| Hydrogen, as a renewable energy source, is proving to be an attractive alternative due to high cost of fossil fuel-based energy and a growing demand for environmentally clean energy sources and lower carbon footprints. We have developed a hybrid photovoltaic electrochemical device for the simultaneous treatment of aqueous chemical pollutants at metal (e.g., Nb, Bi)-doped TiO2 anodes coupled with the production of molecular hydrogen via water splitting at stainless steel cathodes. The anodic oxidation of aqueous chemical contaminants in water has a synergistic effect on hydrogen production that results in a 30 to 60% increase in H2 production efficiency. Overall energy efficiencies are comparable to those of conventional electrolysis. Conventional water and wastewater treatments are energy-intensive and energy-inefficient processes. Accordingly, this PV-hybrid system could be applied directly for water and wastewater treatment where hydrogen fuel is produced as an useful, energy-rich by-product. |
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Understanding the Water Footprint of Energy Production from Conventional and Alternative Sources
1:30 PM-4:50 PM, Wednesday, April 9, 2008 Morial Convention Center -- Rm. 236, Oral
Division of Environmental Chemistry |