A new technology for generating energy from polluted air
Researchers from the University of Leuven (KU Leuven) and the University of Antwerp have recently developed a device that allows polluted air to be converted into hydrogen gas. This project, which is still in an experimental phase, could help to generate energy whilst purifying the air at the same time.
Belgian scientists have created a device that can generate energy from polluted air. Therefore, it should soon be possible to actively combat pollution whilst also producing hydrogen. The idea is to use sunlight in the same way as for photovoltaic panels. However, there is one major difference between the two systems: the energy produced by this new device is not emitted directly. Indeed, the hydrogen can be stored and used at a later date as fuel, in particular for hydrogen-powered buses.
The post-doctoral researcher, Sammy Verbruggen, a specialist in microbial and molecular systems explains: "We use a small device with two spaces separated by a membrane. These catalysers are able to produce hydrogen and combat air pollution. In the past, these cells were used, above all, to extract hydrogen from water. We discovered that the process is also possible, and even more efficient, with polluted air". He declares that he is very optimistic about the project's progress and hopes to widen the scope of this technology in order to adapt it to an industrial scale.