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 Tue, 14 Feb 2012 21:05:01 EST Tue, 14 Feb 2012 21:05:01 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/2012/02/120208132601.htm Scientists have developed a new kind of tiny motor -- which they term a "microrocket" -- that can propel itself through acidic environments, such as the human stomach, without any external energy source, opening the way to a variety of medical and industrial applications. Their report describes the microrockets traveling at virtual warp speed for such devices. A human moving at the same speed would have to run at a clip of 400 miles per hour. Wed, 08 Feb 2012 13:26:26 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120208132601.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120118173240.htm For some time, researchers have explored flammable ice for low-carbon or alternative fuel or as a place to store carbon dioxide. Now, a computer analysis of the ice and gas compound, known as a gas hydrate, reveals key details of its structure. The results show that hydrates can hold hydrogen at an optimal capacity of 5 weight-percent, a value that meets the goal of a U.S. Department of Energy standard and makes gas hydrates practical and affordable. Wed, 18 Jan 2012 17:32:32 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120118173240.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120112112647.htm A dose of hydrogen or helium can render the "super material" graphene even more useful, as shown by physicists. Thu, 12 Jan 2012 11:26:26 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120112112647.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120112095853.htm No less than one-third of a car's fuel consumption is spent in overcoming friction, and this friction loss has a direct impact on both fuel consumption and emissions. However, new technology can reduce friction by anything from 10 to 80 percent in various components of a car, according to a new study. Thu, 12 Jan 2012 09:58:58 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120112095853.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120110151710.htm The available amount of fossil fuels is limited and their combustion in vehicle motors increases atmospheric carbon dioxide levels. The generation of fuels from biomass as an alternative is on the rise. Scientists have now introduced a new catalytic process that allows the effective conversion of biopetroleum from microalgae into diesel fuels. Tue, 10 Jan 2012 15:17:17 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120110151710.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120104111725.htm A relay reaction of hydrogen atoms at a single-molecule level has been observed in real-space. This way of manipulating matter could open up new ways to exchange information between novel molecular devices in future electronics. Wed, 04 Jan 2012 11:17:17 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120104111725.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111223091335.htm If all the UK's discarded wrapping paper and Christmas cards were collected and fermented, they could make enough biofuel to run a double-decker bus to the moon and back more than 20 times, according to the researchers behind a new scientific study. Fri, 23 Dec 2011 09:13:13 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111223091335.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111220133709.htm Researchers have developed a new and significantly cheaper method of manufacturing fuel cells. A noble metal nanoparticle catalyst for fuel cells is prepared using atomic layer deposition. Tue, 20 Dec 2011 13:37:37 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111220133709.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111219102226.htm A new method makes it possible to use microbes to produce butanol suitable for biofuel and other industrial chemicals from wood biomass. Butanol is particularly suited as a transport fuel because it is not water soluble and has higher energy content than ethanol. Mon, 19 Dec 2011 10:22:22 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111219102226.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111208121024.htm The concept of the hydrogen economy (HE), in which hydrogen would replace the carbon-based fossil fuels of the twentieth century was first mooted in the 1970s. Today, HE is seen as a potential solution to the dual global crises of climate change and dwindling oil reserves. A research article suggests that HE is wrong and SHE has the answer in the sustainable hydrogen economy. Thu, 08 Dec 2011 12:10:10 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111208121024.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111208121022.htm The current Corporate Average Fuel Economy standards create a financial incentive for auto companies to make bigger vehicles that are allowed to meet lower targets, according to a new study. Thu, 08 Dec 2011 12:10:10 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111208121022.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111129123255.htm A new study questions the cost-effectiveness of biofuels and says they would barely reduce fossil fuel use and would likely increase greenhouse gas emissions. Tue, 29 Nov 2011 12:32:32 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111129123255.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111122143356.htm A new study is first to focus on the extra carbon savings that can be squeezed from trees when wood not suitable for long-term building materials is used for bioenergy: Depending on the process used, ethanol from woody biomass emits less greenhouse gas than an equivalent amount of gasoline, between 70 percent and a little over 100 percent less. In contrast, corn ethanol reduces greenhouse gas emissions 22 percent on average. Tue, 22 Nov 2011 14:33:33 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111122143356.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111117141157.htm Recent studies have demonstrated that nanoparticles of cerium oxide -- common diesel fuel additives used to increase the fuel efficiency of automobile engines -- can travel from the lungs to the liver and that this process is associated with liver damage. Thu, 17 Nov 2011 14:11:11 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111117141157.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111109143017.htm American energy use went back up in 2010 compared to 2009, when consumption was at a 12-year low. The United States used more fossil fuels in 2010 than in 2009, while renewable electricity remained approximately constant, with an increase in wind power offset by a modest decline in hydroelectricity. There also was a significant increase in biomass consumption, according to the most recent energy flow charts. Wed, 09 Nov 2011 14:30:30 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111109143017.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111108133045.htm Fuel made from wood could become a competitive commercial alternative to fuel made from corn by 2020 if the wood biofuel industry is supported, according to a new study. Tue, 08 Nov 2011 13:30:30 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111108133045.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111108075354.htm The production of ethanol from lignocellulose-rich materials such as wood residues, waste paper, used cardboard and straw cannot yet be achieved at the same efficiency and cost as from corn starch. A cost comparison has concluded that using lignocellulose materials is unlikely to be competitive with starch until 2020 at the earliest. The study did identify many opportunities for reducing costs and improving income within the lignocellulose-to-ethanol process, and provides insight into the priority areas that must be addressed in coming years. Tue, 08 Nov 2011 07:53:53 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111108075354.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111028105033.htm A team of researchers has found one of the most effective catalysts ever discovered for splitting oxygen atoms from water molecules -- a key reaction for advanced energy-storage systems, including electrolyzers, to produce hydrogen fuel and rechargeable batteries. This new catalyst liberates oxygen at more than 10 times the rate of the best previously known catalyst of its type. Fri, 28 Oct 2011 10:50:50 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111028105033.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111020105920.htm Engineers have made an electrochemical cell that uses a plasma for an electrode, instead of solid pieces of metal. The technology may open new pathways for battery and fuel cell design and manufacturing, making hydrogen fuel and synthesizing nanomaterials and polymers. Thu, 20 Oct 2011 10:59:59 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111020105920.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111018084402.htm Researchers in Finland have achieved good results in using waste and other excess products from industry to develop new and innovative fuels for transport. The researchers have studied the processing of both biobutanol and biogas into transport fuels. Tue, 18 Oct 2011 08:44:44 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111018084402.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111006162537.htm Scientists have overcome one major obstacle to artificial photosynthesis, a promising technology that simultaneously reduces atmospheric carbon dioxide and produces fuel. They have now used an ionic liquid to catalyze the conversion of CO₂ to CO, the first step in making fuel, greatly reducing the energy required to drive the process. Thu, 06 Oct 2011 16:25:25 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111006162537.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111004132706.htm The use of oxygen isotope substitution will lead to more accurate structural modeling of oxide materials found in everything from biological processes to electronic devices, new research suggests. Tue, 04 Oct 2011 13:27:27 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111004132706.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111004121301.htm It is unlikely the United States will meet some specific biofuel mandates under the current Renewable Fuel Standard by 2022 unless innovative technologies are developed or policies change. Tue, 04 Oct 2011 12:13:13 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111004121301.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110929122852.htm Researchers have demonstrated that the size of a metal alloy nanoparticle influences the speed with which hydrogen gas is released when stored in a metal hydride. The smaller the size of the nanoparticle, the greater the speed at which the hydrogen gas makes its way to the fuel cell. Thu, 29 Sep 2011 12:28:28 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110929122852.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110927134254.htm Researchers have identified a terpene called bisabolane as a potential biofuel for replacing diesel fuel. The researchers have also engineered two strains of microbes -- a bacteria and a yeast -- that can be used in the biosynthetic production of this clean, green, renewable and domestic alternative to diesel fuel. Tue, 27 Sep 2011 13:42:42 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110927134254.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110922093721.htm A new study has shed light on a class of heterometallic molecular structures whose unique features point the way to breakthroughs in the development of lightweight fuel cell technology. The structures contain a previously-unexplored combination of rare-earth and d-transition metals ideally suited to the compact storage of hydrogen. Thu, 22 Sep 2011 09:37:37 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110922093721.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110919151317.htm A grain of salt or two may be all that microbial electrolysis cells need to produce hydrogen from wastewater or organic byproducts, without adding carbon dioxide to the atmosphere or using grid electricity, according to engineers. Mon, 19 Sep 2011 15:13:13 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110919151317.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110831115812.htm Scientists have a new approach to the problem of safely storing hydrogen in future fuel-cell powered cars -- molecular scale 'veins' of iron permeating grains of magnesium like a network of capillaries. Wed, 31 Aug 2011 11:58:58 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110831115812.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110831093919.htm Researchers have been operating a canal boat with a fuel cell drive for three years now. In the world of shipbuilding, however, different rules apply than those in the automobile manufacturing industries. Weight is of practically no significance, but the propulsion plant must have an operating lifetime as long as that of the boat itself. The hydride storage system -- the hydrogen tank -- must meet this challenging requirement. Wed, 31 Aug 2011 09:39:39 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110831093919.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110830151234.htm A team of scientists has developed a robust, efficient method of using hydrogen as a fuel source. Tue, 30 Aug 2011 15:12:12 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110830151234.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110830151229.htm Using state-of-the-art theoretical computations, a team of scientists has determined that an alloy formed by a 2 percent substitution of antimony in gallium nitride has the right electrical properties to enable solar light energy to split water molecules into hydrogen and oxygen. The alloy functions as a catalyst in the photoelectrochemical electrolysis of water. Tue, 30 Aug 2011 15:12:12 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110830151229.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110825105024.htm Here's one way that old-fashioned newsprint beats the Internet. Scientists have discovered a novel bacterial strain, dubbed "TU-103," that can use paper to produce butanol, a biofuel that can serve as a substitute for gasoline. They are currently experimenting with old editions of the Times Picayune, New Orleans' venerable daily newspaper, with great success. Thu, 25 Aug 2011 10:50:50 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110825105024.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110815162429.htm A novel microscopy method is helping scientists probe the reactions that limit widespread deployment of fuel cell technologies. Mon, 15 Aug 2011 16:24:24 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110815162429.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110811142803.htm Looking to nature for their muse, researchers have used a common protein to guide the design of a material that can make energy-storing hydrogen gas. The synthetic material works 10 times faster than the original protein found in water-dwelling microbes, the researchers clocking in at 100,000 molecules of hydrogen gas every second. Thu, 11 Aug 2011 14:28:28 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110811142803.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110810133118.htm Researchers have developed a new and improved iron-based catalyst capable of generating even more electric power in fuel cells for transportation applications. Previously, only platinum-based catalysts could produce similar performance. Wed, 10 Aug 2011 13:31:31 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110810133118.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110809132232.htm While roofs across the world sport photovoltaic solar panels to convert sunlight into electricity, an engineer believes a novel hybrid system can wring even more useful energy out of the sun's rays. Instead of systems based on standard solar panels, an engineer proposes a hybrid option in which sunlight heats a combination of water and methanol in a maze of glass tubes on a rooftop. After two catalytic reactions, the system produces hydrogen much more efficiently than current technology without significant impurities. The resulting hydrogen can be stored and used on demand in fuel cells. Tue, 09 Aug 2011 13:22:22 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110809132232.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110808124242.htm A research team has harnessed neutrons to view for the first time the critical role that an elusive molecule plays in certain biological reactions. The effort could aid in treatment of peptic ulcers or acid reflux disease, or allow for more efficient conversion of woody waste into transportation fuels. Mon, 08 Aug 2011 12:42:42 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110808124242.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110803102856.htm US production of ethanol for fuel has been rising quickly. Researchers now caution that ethanol, and especially the bacteria sometimes found in it, can dramatically degrade pipelines. Wed, 03 Aug 2011 10:28:28 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110803102856.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110803084121.htm Chemists have discovered a technique to track urban atmospheric plumes, thanks to a unique isotopic signature found in vehicle emissions. Wed, 03 Aug 2011 08:41:41 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110803084121.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110801095104.htm Researchers have developed a new catalyst material that could replace chemicals currently derived from petroleum and be the basis for more environmentally friendly products including octane-boosting gas and fuel additives, bio-based rubber for tires and a safer solvent for the chemicals industry. Mon, 01 Aug 2011 09:51:51 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110801095104.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110721112622.htm Researchers argue that regulatory innovations are needed to keep pace with technological innovations in the biofuels industry. Thu, 21 Jul 2011 11:26:26 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110721112622.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110719094025.htm Scientists are working to develop new technology for processing human waste without links to water, energy, or sewer lines, and at costs affordable to the poor in developing countries. Tue, 19 Jul 2011 09:40:40 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110719094025.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110711131153.htm A student team in the Netherlands has revealed its hydrogen-powered racing car. With this car, the students will be making their first appearance in Formula Student, a worldwide competition among 500 universities. The Delft DUT Racing Team will also be participating in the Formula Student race in the electric racing car they unveiled in June. Mon, 11 Jul 2011 13:11:11 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110711131153.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110705071703.htm Scientists are working on how to use the energy of the Sun to make fuels, which could help to solve the world's escalating energy crisis. Tue, 05 Jul 2011 07:17:17 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110705071703.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110701083503.htm After Fukushima, it is now imperative to redefine what makes a successful nuclear power program -- from cradle to grave. If nuclear waste management is not thought out from the beginning, the public in many countries will reject nuclear power as an energy choice, according to new research. Fri, 01 Jul 2011 08:35:35 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110701083503.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110628113153.htm Tiny metallic particles produced by Australian chemistry researchers are bringing new hope for the production of cheap, efficient and clean hydrogen energy. Tue, 28 Jun 2011 11:31:31 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110628113153.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110621114140.htm Using barium oxide nanoparticles, researchers have developed a self-cleaning technique that could allow solid oxide fuel cells to be powered directly by coal gas at operating temperatures as low as 750 degrees Celsius. The technique could provide an alternative for generating electricity from the nation's vast coal reserves. Tue, 21 Jun 2011 11:41:41 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110621114140.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110615080217.htm Researchers are using nanotechnology to create new energy efficient materials. With the increasing worldwide demand for energy, there is a pressure to use the finite energy resources wisely while reducing one of the major areas of energy consumption -- transportation, which accounts for more than 20% of the world’s total primary energy and produces much of the world’s pollution. Wed, 15 Jun 2011 08:02:02 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110615080217.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110615062237.htm Cheap, much lighter than before and allowing for continuous operation – what traditional batteries can not offer – direct formic acid fuel cells can revolutionize the portable electronics market. A new catalyst will enable a widespread use of fuel cells, researchers say. Wed, 15 Jun 2011 06:22:22 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110615062237.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110610132141.htm It's the International Space Station's biggest increase in altitude to date, and, thanks to European Space Agency's ATV Johannes Kepler, it will significantly improve the 417-tonne Station's orbital mileage through the next decade of scientific research. During three intensive reboost manoeuvres, ATV Johannes Kepler is raising the ISS altitude from around 345 km to 380 km, where it will use far less fuel to maintain its orbit and cutting the amount of fuel that must be sent up in the coming years by almost half. Fri, 10 Jun 2011 13:21:21 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110610132141.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110606122251.htm Researchers now understand more about why platinum is so efficient at producing power in hydrogen fuel cells. Mon, 06 Jun 2011 12:22:22 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110606122251.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110606075634.htm A study conducted by Finnish researchers indicates that there is practically no difference between commercial petrol grades 95E10 and 98E5 sold in Finland as regards fuel consumption in normal driving. The finding is based on driving tests using six used cars of different make under laboratory conditions. Mon, 06 Jun 2011 07:56:56 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110606075634.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110601074852.htm Researchers in Finland have found a way to cut the amount of fuel consumed by non-road mobile machinery by half. This new technology captures energy, which up to now has been lost by the machinery when working, and uses it instead of fuel. The fuel consumption of construction and mining machines, agricultural machines and material handling machines is reduced significantly. Wed, 01 Jun 2011 07:48:48 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110601074852.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110601074845.htm What happens when hydrogen begins dispersing from a leak? A Norwegian firm has the answers about how explosive the situation may become. Wed, 01 Jun 2011 07:48:48 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110601074845.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110531160727.htm A team of scientists has developed a Direct Methanol Fuel Cell technology for future U.S. Department of Defense and commercial applications. Tue, 31 May 2011 16:07:07 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110531160727.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110526102350.htm A team of researchers from Spain, Scotland, and New Zealand has used ethanol and sunlight to generate hydrogen as an energy source. The advance offers a scalable and economically viable energy production process that uses ethanol as a renewable fuel. Thu, 26 May 2011 10:23:23 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110526102350.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110524115144.htm Many kinds of algae and cyanobacteria, common water-dwelling microorganisms, are capable of using energy from sunlight to split water molecules and release hydrogen, which holds promise as a clean and carbon-free fuel for the future. One reason this approach hasn't yet been harnessed for fuel production is that under ordinary circumstances, hydrogen production takes a back seat to the production of compounds that the organisms use to support their own growth. Tue, 24 May 2011 11:51:51 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110524115144.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110523101913.htm Chemical engineering students have developed a portable microreactor that converts liquid fuels into hydrogen for fuel cell batteries. Mon, 23 May 2011 10:19:19 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110523101913.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110516102331.htm Scientists have found the key to the hydrogen economy could come from a very simple mineral, commonly seen as a black stain on rocks. Mon, 16 May 2011 10:23:23 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110516102331.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110512161936.htm A report commissioned by the US Department of Energy has concluded that a novel method of producing hydrogen fuel from sunlight is the only approach among eight competing technologies that is projected to meet future cost targets set by the federal agency. Thu, 12 May 2011 16:19:19 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110512161936.htm