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Friday, 5th December 2008 (1679 views)

The field of nanotechnology, including research carried out on tiny gold particles, holds much promise for alternative fuel technologies, it has been claimed.

Nanoparticles – molecules that are measured in nanometres, or one billionth of a metre – have the potential to improve energy systems, as outlined by Stony Brook University's publication the Statesman.

The news provider highlighted the work of Aaron Stein from the Centre for Functional Nanomaterials at Brookhaven National Laboratory, which consists of using gold nano-catalysts to increase the rate of reactions in fuel cells.

Nanoparticles can be utilised in this way as their properties are much different to that of their full-sized counterparts, the source explained.

The catalytic properties of gold nanoparticles were recently used by Rice University researchers, who developed a technique using the miniscule particles of the precious metal to break down pollutants.

In the study, gold nanoshells were used to help create the method, which could improve ways of cleaning up TCE, a common solvent that is also a pollutant and carcinogen.

 

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