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Tuesday, 10th March 2009 (1392 views)

Nanotechnology is being used to help develop clean, renewable energy sources, researchers have revealed.

Scientists at Iowa State University are relying on the technology, which often involves the use of gold, as they attempt to create a low-emissions burner.

It is intended to make use of a gas produced by natural materials such as wood chips, combining with a catalyst to convert burn biomass-based gas efficiently, while a catalyst is also being developed to convert it into ethanol.

If successful, the project could mean that ethanol production moves beyond fermentation of simple sugars in corn kernels.

One of those involved, Robert Brown, remarked: "We're excited about this research. This project partners the thermochemical conversion of biomass with ethanol production."

Earlier this week, Ventura Labs revealed that it had discovered a means of producing gold nanoparticles from natural elements such as plant extracts and soya beans, noting that synthetics and man-made chemicals may no longer be necessary to manufacture miniature pieces of the precious metal.

 

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