We've all been taught how plants use photosynthesis to convert chemicals into fuel in the presence of sunlight. Now Belgian scientists from the University of Antwerp and KU Leuven have developed a device that does exactly that. But instead of producing sugar, it produces hydrogen that can be used to power cars.

UAntwerpen and KU Leuven

"We use a small device with two rooms separated by a membrane," explains Professor Sammy Verbruggen. "Air is purified on one side, while on the other side hydrogen gas is produced from a part of the degradation products. This hydrogen gas can be stored and used later as fuel, as is already being done in some hydrogen buses, for example."

The membrane of the device, made up of nanomaterials is the most important part. It acts as a catalyst to produce hydrogen from the polluting hydrocarbons.

"These catalysts are capable of producing hydrogen gas and breaking down air pollution," explains Professor Verbruggen. "In the past, these cells were mostly used to extract hydrogen from water. We have now discovered that this is also possible, and even more efficient, with polluted air."

BCCL

Energy source for the chemical reaction comes from sunlight. And though the current model is only a few square centimetres, there are plans to scale up the technology to make it practical at an industrial level.