The scientific community is buzzing with excitement due to the development of an innovative Carbon-Based Catalyst known as Laser Carbon. This advancement, pioneered by a group of researchers, aims to optimise water electrolysis, a process that has long been associated with high energy consumption.
Laser Carbon and its Significance
The introduction of Laser Carbon is expected to revolutionise the field of water electrolysis. Laser Carbon is a Nitrogen-contained porous carbon material with the capability to act as both the catalyst and anode during the electrolysis process. The most remarkable attribute about this material is its ability to lower the overpotential of the Oxygen Evolution Reaction (OER), consequently reducing the amount of energy required to split water.
The process of synthesising Laser Carbon is simpler compared to other carbon-based catalysts. It offers the added advantage of being environmentally friendly and can be batch-manufactured with a laser.
Traditional catalysts are typically metal-based and commonly use iridium or ruthenium. However, these metals are expensive and heavily sought after in various sectors, which limits their availability. While Laser Carbon may not provide the same level of catalytic activity as metal-based catalysts, its effectiveness can be enhanced by using different polymers during the fabrication process.
Understanding Electrolysis
Electrolysis is a chemical reaction instigated by an electric current. This process involves passing an electric current through an electrolyte, a substance that conducts electricity when dissolved in water or when melted. The electric current prompts the separation of the electrolyte into its constituent elements or leads to the formation of new compounds. This separation occurs as the positive and negative ions within the electrolyte move towards opposite electrodes due to the electric current.
In a broader perspective, electrolysis serves numerous industrial applications. These range from the production of metals and cleaning metal surfaces to the generation of hydrogen gas from water.
Microbial Fuel Cells as a Source of Sustainable Energy
Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) are increasingly being recognized as a potential source of sustainable energy. MFCs utilize living organisms, particularly bacteria, as catalysts to produce electricity from certain substrates. The bacterial action on these substrates results in the production of electrons that are transferred to the anode and flow towards the cathode, thereby generating a current.
Importantly, MFCs have diverse substrate compatibility, where they can use a variety of organic and inorganic materials. These qualities make them feasible for installation in wastewater treatment plants, where they can aid in water purification while simultaneously producing electricity. Thus, making MFCs an innovative and sustainable solution in waste management and power generation.
