Chemistry Behind Improved Solar Electrolysis

The Kentucky Derby is almost upon us and a side benefit is attracting world class researchers to visit. One will be giving a presentation on May 3rd, 2010 about using solar energy to break down water into hydrogen (solar electrolysis). Once you have hydrogen, I assume it can be used in a fuel cell or burned to create heat.





Read more in this April 26, 2010 press release from the University of Louisville.

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — A chemist whose renewable energy research landed him in Time magazine’s Time 100 list last year will discuss “The Global Energy Challenge” May 3 at the University of Louisville.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology chemist and energy researcher Daniel Nocera will give the free, public talk at 1:30 p.m. in Gheens Science Hall and Rauch Planetarium.

His more scientifically oriented talk, “The Chemistry Behind Personalized Energy for 1 (x 6 Billion),” will begin at 1:30 p.m. May 4 in Gheens Science Hall and Rauch Planetarium.

UofL’s Chemistry Graduate Student Association sponsors the annual distinguished lecturer series.

Nocera is the Henry Dreyfus professor of energy and professor of chemistry at MIT, where his research group works on renewable energy at the molecular level. Adapting plant photosynthesis as a model, he is using sunlight to split water molecules in an effort to make hydrogen fuel and is trying to create from inexpensive materials a catalyst that works under common conditions.

The scientist has received the American Institute of Chemists Award and the Eni-Italgas Prize for Energy and the Environment for his work and has been elected to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. Besides the Time magazine 2009 salute as a scientist among “the people who most affect our world,” Nocera and his research on energy conversion have been featured on nationally broadcast programs such as ABC’s “Nightline” and PBS’ “NOVA.”

For more information, contact Ricky Woofter at 502-852-3578 or ricky.woofter@louisville.edu