A new fuel cell has been developed that can mimic the way plants obtain energy from the sun, with the help of a platinum electrode.

Science Daily reports that the new type of fuel cell uses the platinum electrode along with glucose derived from biomass to recreate the process of photosynthesis, potentially offering a new approach to emissions-free power production.

Researchers at Oita University in Dannoharu, Japan, have used a transparent conductive glass electrode coated with a highly coloured molecule, which is incorporated into light-absorbing titania.

This is then connected to a platinum electrode and together these are immersed in the glucoise solution to complete the circuit,

Light-active electrode enzymes in the chemical layer are triggered by the presence of light to react with glucose molecules in the solution, thereby releasing hydrogen ions. These ions in turn attract electrons from the platinum electrode, thus causing a current to flow through the wire connecting the electrodes, Science Daily explains.

Source:

New Fuel Cell Powered With Glucose From Biomass, 29/11/07
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/11/071128074931.htm

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