Nano Particles from QuantiumSphereWell here we are again, cheap hydrogen, the holy grail of environmental energy storage. We have the way to use the stuff (fuel cells) and some ways to store it, but now we need to produce it from water.

The problem is it’s not too efficient to split water into the stuff (and oxygen of course). The Department of Energy’s goal for efficiency by 2010 is 10%. Now comes along QuantumSphere Inc. They have figured out a way that with nano-particles (ones they developed) they can increase the surface area of the anodes used in conversion and they’ve got it working at a 85% efficiency. Keep in mind, it’s is working, with a theoretical goal of 96%.

Kevin Maloney, president, chief executive officer and co-founder of QuantumSphere says “Our nanoparticle-coated electrodes make electrolysers efficient enough to provide hydrogen on demand from a tank of distilled water in your car.” …. Oooo, Detroit will love this.

Now is this a pipe dream? No. Things are coming out very soon. They’ve got a battery using these particles that will increase alkaline cells power by 320% (more power in ratio to nasty chemicals) that will ship in the 2nd half of this year!. They have and are doing lots of cool things here, read this article to get the rest of the scoop on things like hyper efficient Metal Hydride batteries.

One last thing to get excited about. Their goal was to make a thimbul full of these nano particles. But they are way ahead of schedule. They now have a plant that can make TONS of the stuff!