Tag

Electrolysis

All articles tagged with #electrolysis

Water-Powered Propulsion Aims for Deep-Space Breakthrough
technology10 days ago

Water-Powered Propulsion Aims for Deep-Space Breakthrough

General Galactic plans to launch a 1,200-pound satellite on a SpaceX Falcon 9 in October that uses only water as propellant, testing both an electrolysis-driven electrical thruster and a hydrogen-oxygen chemical thruster. If successful, it could pave the way for in-space refueling and long-range missions by harvesting water on the Moon or Mars; however, water-based propulsion faces challenges like corrosion, added mass, and typically lower exhaust speeds, meaning the test must prove practical thrust for deep-space travel.

Water-Fueled Rockets Spark Mars Refueling Network Vision
technology11 days ago

Water-Fueled Rockets Spark Mars Refueling Network Vision

A startup led by former SpaceX engineer Halen Mattison aims to turn water into rocket fuel via electrolysis to produce hydrogen and oxygen for chemical propulsion, and into plasma for electrical propulsion. The plan envisions a Mars-based refueling network and includes a 1,100-pound satellite test on a SpaceX Falcon 9 in October 2026, with the potential to dramatically reduce mission costs and enable longer, deeper-space journeys.

Water-to-Fuel: A Space Startup's Bold Test of Rocket Propulsion from H2O
technology11 days ago

Water-to-Fuel: A Space Startup's Bold Test of Rocket Propulsion from H2O

Former SpaceX engineer Halen Mattison and General Galactic plan to launch an 1,100‑pound satellite on Falcon 9 to test turning water into rocket fuel: electrolyze water to hydrogen and oxygen for chemical propulsion, and drive oxygen to plasma for electric propulsion. While the approach could aid in-situ resource use and offer rapid thrust bursts, experts warn about potential electronics corrosion from ionized oxygen and the added mass of the electrolysis system; the concept remains controversial, though research into extracting water and oxygen from lunar or Martian regolith continues.

Air-to-Gasoline: A Fridge-Sized Energy Tech From NYC
technology1 month ago

Air-to-Gasoline: A Fridge-Sized Energy Tech From NYC

A New York startup's fridge-sized Aircela device captures CO2 from air and water, uses electrolysis to yield hydrogen, then converts CO2 to methanol and ultimately gasoline, delivering about one gallon per day. It stores up to 17 gallons, costs an estimated $15k–$20k with plans to drop the price via mass production, and could be powered by solar to push energy costs below $1.50 per gallon; while real-world impact is limited by scale, the process uses well-established chemistry and could be practical in remote areas.

science-and-technology8 months ago

Japan Discovers Cost-Effective Metal Boosting Hydrogen Production by 1,000%

Researchers in Japan have developed a cost-effective manganese oxide catalyst with a unique 3D structure that significantly increases hydrogen production efficiency and durability in water electrolysis, potentially replacing expensive rare metals like iridium in PEM electrolysers and advancing sustainable hydrogen energy.

"Effective Methods for Removing Chin Hairs"
beauty-and-wellness2 years ago

"Effective Methods for Removing Chin Hairs"

Cassie seeks advice on dealing with chin hairs that cause breakouts when plucked and look like a prickly beard when shaved. The options suggested include laser hair removal or electrolysis, with a recommendation to consult a dermatologist first to rule out any underlying medical conditions. Laser hair removal targets pigment in the hair and requires multiple sessions, while electrolysis is a truly permanent option suitable for all hair colors and skin types. At-home hair removal devices are not recommended due to potential complications.

Efficient and Affordable Electrocatalyst Produces Clean Hydrogen and Oxygen from Water
science-and-technology2 years ago

Efficient and Affordable Electrocatalyst Produces Clean Hydrogen and Oxygen from Water

Researchers from Dalian University of Technology in China have developed a durable and inexpensive electrocatalyst made of nickel, iron, and silicon that significantly reduces the energy required to generate clean hydrogen and oxygen from water. The catalyst, known as ferric-nickel silicide (FeNiSi) alloy, is bifunctional, meaning it can efficiently produce both hydrogen and oxygen gas. The manufacturing process involves heating natural clay magadiite with iron chloride and nickel chloride to create a metallic silicate, which is then reduced using magnesium and salt to form the FeNiSi alloy. The electrocatalyst demonstrated promising performance and durability, offering new opportunities for renewable energy conversion.

"Revolutionary Copper Catalysts Convert CO2 into Methane with High Efficiency"
science-and-technology2 years ago

"Revolutionary Copper Catalysts Convert CO2 into Methane with High Efficiency"

Researchers at Rice University have developed a method to efficiently convert carbon dioxide into methane using copper-based catalysts and electrolysis. The catalysts, made by grafting isolated copper atoms onto two-dimensional polymer templates, enabled the reduction of carbon dioxide to methane with high selectivity and efficiency. By modulating the distances between the copper atoms, the energy required for key reaction steps was lowered, resulting in faster chemical conversion. This advancement in carbon dioxide conversion technology could help close the artificial carbon cycle and contribute to sustainable energy solutions.

science-and-technology2 years ago

"Water-Powered Nano Rocket Thruster: Fingertip-Sized Innovation"

Researchers from Imperial College London have developed a nano rocket engine called the ICE-Cube Thruster that runs on water and could be used to maneuver small satellites in space. The engine utilizes electrolysis to split water into hydrogen and oxygen, which are then fed into a combustion chamber and nozzle less than 1mm in length to produce thrust. This eliminates the need for bulky storage tanks, making it easier to miniaturize propulsion systems.

Water-Powered Mini Space Thruster Revolutionizes Space Travel
space-technology2 years ago

Water-Powered Mini Space Thruster Revolutionizes Space Travel

Researchers at Imperial College in the UK have developed a miniature space thruster chip, called the ICE-Cube Thruster, that runs on water. The thruster uses an electrolysis process to produce hydrogen and oxygen, eliminating the need for bulky gaseous propellant storage. With a combustion chamber and nozzle measuring less than 1mm in length, the thruster was assembled using a MEMS approach. Testing achieved 1.25 millinewtons of thrust, and the data gathered will guide the development of a flight-representative propulsion system.

"Breakthrough Catalyst Lowers Energy for Hydrogen Gas Extraction from Water"
science-and-technology2 years ago

"Breakthrough Catalyst Lowers Energy for Hydrogen Gas Extraction from Water"

A team of chemical engineers has developed a new catalyst, carbon compound nickel-iron-molybdenum-phosphide anchored on nickel foam (NiFeMo-P-C), that significantly reduces the energy required for the electrolysis of water to produce hydrogen and oxygen. The catalyst, which is cost-efficient and easily manufactured, lowers the activation energy of both the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER), making clean hydrogen production more commercially viable. The NiFeMo-P-C catalyst demonstrates excellent catalytic performance and durability, making it a promising candidate for large-scale hydrogen production.

"Future Mars Astronauts: Producing Rocket Fuel on the Red Planet Explained"
science-and-technology2 years ago

"Future Mars Astronauts: Producing Rocket Fuel on the Red Planet Explained"

Scientists have proposed a method to produce oxygen on Mars using electrolysis, which could potentially generate 3 kilograms of oxygen per hour. The process involves compressing and heating carbon dioxide from the Martian atmosphere, running electricity through the molecules to split out oxygen atoms, and then cooling the oxygen into a liquid. If operated for a typical 14-month mission, astronauts could create about 30 metric tons of oxygen, enough to break free of Martian surface gravity. This method could be crucial for future crewed missions to Mars.