http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/matter_energy/alternative_fuels/ Alternative fuel sources. From hydrogen cars and microbial fuel cells to break-throughs in bioconversion, browse the latest research in alternative fuels. en-us Wed, 25 Nov 2009 13:05:01 EST Wed, 25 Nov 2009 13:05:01 EST 60 http://www.sciencedaily.com/images/logosmall.gif http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/matter_energy/alternative_fuels/ For more science articles, visit ScienceDaily. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091122161751.htm Scientists have found for the first time that high pressure can be used to make a unique hydrogen-storage material. The discovery paves the way for a new approach to the hydrogen-storage problem. The researchers found that the normally nonreactive, noble gas xenon combines with molecular hydrogen under pressure to form a previously unknown solid with unusual bonding chemistry. The discovery debuts a new family of materials, which could boost hydrogen technologies. Wed, 25 Nov 2009 11:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091122161751.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091120094745.htm Surplus biomass from the production of flax sheaves, and generated from Brassica carinata, a yellow-flowered plant related to those which engulf fields in spring, can be used to produce bioethanol. Tue, 24 Nov 2009 02:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091120094745.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091120084617.htm With the introduction of a single bacterial gene into yeast, researchers have achieved three improvements in bioethanol production from agricultural waste material: 'More ethanol, less acetate and elimination of the major by-product glycerol' Mon, 23 Nov 2009 05:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091120084617.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091104122522.htm New scientific discoveries are moving society toward the era of "personalized solar energy," in which the focus of electricity production shifts from huge central generating stations to individuals in their own homes and communities. Sun, 22 Nov 2009 17:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091104122522.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091117094829.htm Scientists have set a new world record with next-generation particle fuel for use in high temperature gas reactors (HTGRs). Wed, 18 Nov 2009 11:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091117094829.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091116143619.htm It's the year 2060, and 75 percent of drivers in the Greater Los Angeles area have hydrogen fuel cell vehicles that emit only water vapor. Look into Shane Stephens-Romero's crystal ball -- a computer model called STREET -- and find that air quality has significantly improved. Greenhouse gas emissions are more than 60 percent lower than in 2009, and levels of microscopic soot and ozone are about 15 percent and 10 percent lower, respectively. Tue, 17 Nov 2009 14:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091116143619.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091112095042.htm In the quest to make hydrogen as a clean alternative fuel source, researchers have been stymied about how to create usable hydrogen that is clean and sustainable without relying on an intensive, high-energy process that outweighs the benefits of not using petroleum to power vehicles. New findings however, show that photosynthesis may function as that clean, sustainable source of hydrogen. Mon, 16 Nov 2009 08:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091112095042.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091106102700.htm An international team of scientists has shown how the chemistry of surface reactions underpinning catalysis can be modeled accurately with computers. Mon, 09 Nov 2009 20:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091106102700.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091105121037.htm A boat tail, a tapering protrusion mounted on the rear of a truck, leads to fuel savings of 7.5 percent. This is due to dramatically improved aerodynamics, as shown by road tests conducted by the Dutch PART (Platform for Aerodynamic Road Transport) public-private partnership platform. Mon, 09 Nov 2009 05:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091105121037.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091105172421.htm As global temperatures and energy costs continue to soar, renewable sources of energy will be key to a sustainable future. An attractive replacement for gasoline is biofuel, and in two new studies, scientists have analyzed the genome structures of bioethanol-producing microorganisms, uncovering genetic clues that will be critical in developing new technologies needed to implement production on a global scale. Fri, 06 Nov 2009 20:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091105172421.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091105132454.htm Scientists are making progress toward development of an "artificial leaf" that mimics a real leaf's chemical magic with photosynthesis -- but instead converts sunlight and water into a liquid fuel such as methanol for cars and trucks. Fri, 06 Nov 2009 14:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091105132454.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091104132702.htm New insight into how nature handles some fundamental processes is guiding researchers in the design of tailor-made proteins for applications such as artificial photosynthetic centers, long-range electron transfers, and fuel-cell catalysts for energy conversion. Thu, 05 Nov 2009 23:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091104132702.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091026105748.htm A Dutch researcher has shown that the yield of propene can be increased by adding cerium oxide during the production process. Propene is an important raw material for the chemical industry and its uses include the production of medical equipment. However, it is difficult to produce. Wed, 04 Nov 2009 02:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091026105748.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091022141110.htm Scientists take an important step in converting methane gas to a liquid, giving the potential of making it more useful as a fuel and as a source for making other chemicals. Fri, 23 Oct 2009 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091022141110.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091020111614.htm Engineers have created a new material that would allow a fingernail-size computer chip to store the equivalent of 20 high-definition DVDs or 250 million pages of text, far exceeding the storage capacities of today's computer memory systems. Tue, 20 Oct 2009 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091020111614.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091018141718.htm Chemists have discovered a new material that allows a PEM fuel cell, known as a polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell, to work at a higher temperature. This discovery is extremely important in terms of increasing the efficiency and decreasing the cost of PEM fuel cells. Mon, 19 Oct 2009 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091018141718.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091001163721.htm A new ceramic material could help expand the applications for solid oxide fuel cells -- devices that generate electricity directly from a wide range of liquid or gaseous fuels without the need to separate hydrogen. Sun, 18 Oct 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091001163721.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091013123350.htm The Naval Research Laboratory's Ion Tiger, a hydrogen-powered fuel cell unmanned air vehicle, has flown 23 hours and 17 minutes, setting an unofficial flight endurance record for a fuel-cell powered flight. Thu, 15 Oct 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091013123350.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091008131858.htm Researchers are capitalizing on the environmental and financial benefits of "biofuels" by using nanotechnology to further improve the cellulosic ethanol processes. Sat, 10 Oct 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091008131858.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091007161127.htm Researchers are developing a new type of rocket propellant made of a frozen mixture of water and "nanoscale aluminum" powder that is more environmentally friendly than conventional propellants and could be manufactured on the moon, Mars and other water-bearing bodies. Thu, 08 Oct 2009 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091007161127.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091006093437.htm Scientists have a long and unsuccessful history of attempting to convert hydrogen to a metal by squeezing it under incredibly high and steady pressures. A new study suggests strategies for converting hydrogen to metal at significantly lower pressures. Thu, 08 Oct 2009 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091006093437.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091005161332.htm The first demonstration of a renewable method for hydrogen production from wastewater using a microbial electrolysis system is underway at the Napa Wine Company in Oakville. The refrigerator-sized hydrogen generator will take winery wastewater, and using bacteria and a small amount of electrical energy, convert the organic material into hydrogen. Tue, 06 Oct 2009 23:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091005161332.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090929100654.htm Converting the rubbish that fills the world's landfills into biofuel may be the answer to both the growing energy crisis and to tackling carbon emissions, claim scientists in Singapore and Switzerland. New research reveals how replacing gasoline with biofuel from processed waste could cut global carbon emissions by 80%. Sat, 03 Oct 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090929100654.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090929132503.htm Researchers have developed a fuel cell that harvests electricity from glucose, using a common herbicide as a catalyst. Wed, 30 Sep 2009 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090929132503.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090917161742.htm Imagine a car that runs on hydrogen from solar power and produces water instead of carbon emissions. While vehicles like this won't be on the market anytime soon, researchers are making incremental but important strides in the fuel cell technology that could make clean cars a reality. Mon, 21 Sep 2009 23:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090917161742.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090918110646.htm A group of ambitious students will soon sail up the Hudson River, propelled by pollution-free hydrogen fuel cells and a clear vision for a cleaner, greener future. Mon, 21 Sep 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090918110646.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090918100004.htm The largest US subsidies to fossil fuels are attributed to tax breaks that aid foreign oil production, according to new research. The study, which reviewed fossil fuel and energy subsidies for Fiscal Years 2002-2008, reveals that the lion's share of energy subsidies supported energy sources that emit high levels of greenhouse gases. Fri, 18 Sep 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090918100004.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090907013811.htm Bacteria that generate significant amounts of electricity could be used in microbial fuel cells to provide power in remote environments or to convert waste to electricity. Researchers isolated bacteria with large numbers of tiny projections called pili which were more efficient at transferring electrons to generate power in fuel cells than bacteria with a smooth surface. Thu, 10 Sep 2009 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090907013811.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090901143317.htm A new method for "recycling" hydrogen-containing fuel materials could open the door to economically viable hydrogen-based vehicles. In a new study, researchers describe a significant advance in hydrogen storage science. Mon, 07 Sep 2009 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090901143317.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090826073546.htm Watermelon juice can be a valuable source of biofuel. Researchers have shown that the juice of reject watermelons can be efficiently fermented into ethanol. Thu, 27 Aug 2009 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090826073546.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090819110012.htm Engineers have found a way to double the production of the biofuel butanol, which might someday replace gasoline in automobiles. The process improves on the conventional method for brewing butanol in a bacterial fermentation tank. Thu, 20 Aug 2009 23:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090819110012.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090820083442.htm Chemists are preparing to play an important but often unheralded role in determining the success of one of the largest and most important scientific experiments in history — next year's initial attempts at the National Ignition Facility (NIF) to produce the world's first controlled nuclear fusion reaction. If successful in taming the energy source of the sun, stars, and of the hydrogen bomb, scientists could develop a limitless new source of producing electricity for homes, factories, and businesses. Thu, 20 Aug 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090820083442.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090725203431.htm Researchers have simulated autoignition in a turbulent flow using a supercomputer with up to 65,000 processors in one of the largest reactive flow simulations to date. The results could help to develop better models and reduce the high cost of real experiments. Wed, 12 Aug 2009 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090725203431.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090810105622.htm The fuels cell that four Scandinavian industrial companies are developing could supply power to trailers and fork-lift trucks. Wed, 12 Aug 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090810105622.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090805095235.htm To use hydrogen as a clean energy source, some engineers want to pack it into a larger molecule, rather than compressing the gas into a tank. But getting hydrogen out of a molecule requires a catalyst. Now, researchers reveal new details about one such rhodium-based catalyst. The results are a step toward designing catalysts for use in hydrogen energy applications such as fuel cells. Mon, 10 Aug 2009 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090805095235.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090806141720.htm Researchers have completed a successful flight test of the fuel cell powered XFC (eXperimental Fuel Cell) unmanned aerial system. During the June 2 flight test, the XFC UAS was airborne for more than six hours. Fri, 07 Aug 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090806141720.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090803110950.htm A recently discovered hydrogen-based compound could be helpful in the search for metallic and superconducting forms of hydrogen. Tue, 04 Aug 2009 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090803110950.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090728123045.htm With a sustained national commitment, the United States could obtain substantial energy-efficiency improvements, new sources of energy, and reductions in greenhouse gas emissions through the accelerated deployment of existing and emerging energy technologies. Sat, 01 Aug 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090728123045.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090729103734.htm Call it a "shrimp cocktail" for your fuel tank. Scientists are reporting development of a catalyst made from shrimp shells that could transform production of biodiesel fuel into a faster, less expensive, and more environmentally friendly process. Thu, 30 Jul 2009 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090729103734.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090727135532.htm Using electrolyzed water rather than harsh chemicals could be a more effective and environmentally friendly method in the pretreatment of ethanol waste products to produce an acetone-butanol-ethanol fuel mix, according to new research. Wed, 29 Jul 2009 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090727135532.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090724124134.htm Concerns about dwindling fossil fuel resources, current levels of petroleum consumption, and growing pressure to shift to more sustainable energy sources are among many factors prompting the transition from our current energy infrastructure to one that uses less carbon and requires the efficient conversion of energy. Fuel cells have the potential to replace the internal combustion engine in vehicles and provide power in stationary and portable power applications, as they are energy-efficient, clean and fuel-flexible. Fri, 24 Jul 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090724124134.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090720134525.htm A researcher is probing the role of hydrogen sulfide. Hydrogen sulphide -- partially responsible for the foul odour of stink bombs -- is also a toxic gas and has been used for chemical warfare. Thu, 23 Jul 2009 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090720134525.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090708073944.htm Could the cars and laptops of the future be fueled by old chip fat? A group of engineers believe so, and are developing an energy efficient, environmentally-friendly hydrogen production system. The system enables hydrogen to be extracted from waste materials, such as vegetable oil and the glycerol by-product of bio-diesel. The aim is to create the high purity hydrogen-based fuel necessary not only for large-scale power production, but also for smaller portable fuel cells. Fri, 17 Jul 2009 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090708073944.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090714154822.htm Microfluidic fuel cells could provide the necessary energy to provide continuous power to remote sensors, mobile phones and laptops, according to a student. Microfluidics deals with the behavior, precise control and manipulation of fluids that are geometrically constrained to a small, typically sub-millimeter, scale. Wed, 15 Jul 2009 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090714154822.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090706112904.htm Researchers have created a reversible route to generate aluminum hydride, a high capacity hydrogen storage material. This achievement is not only expected to accelerate the development of a whole class of storage materials, but also has far reaching applications in areas spanning energy technology and synthetic chemistry. Wed, 15 Jul 2009 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090706112904.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090623120833.htm Scientists in Delaware say they have developed a new hydrogen storage method -- carbonized chicken feather fibers -- that can hold vast amounts of hydrogen, a promising but difficult to corral fuel source, and do it at a far lower cost than other hydrogen storage systems under consideration. Wed, 24 Jun 2009 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090623120833.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090619202611.htm The seeds of a lowly weed could cut jet fuel's cradle-to-grave carbon emissions by 84 percent. Mon, 22 Jun 2009 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090619202611.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090521184437.htm Solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) have great potential for stationary and mobile applications. Stationary use ranges from residential applications to power plants. Mobile applications include power for ships at sea and in space, as well as for autos. In addition to electricity, when SOFCs are operated in reverse mode as solid oxide electrolyzer cells, pure hydrogen can be generated by splitting water. Mon, 25 May 2009 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090521184437.htm