In photochemistry, photohydrogen is hydrogen produced with the help of artificial or natural light. This is how the leaf of a tree splits water molecules into protons (hydrogen ions), electrons (to make carbohydrates) and oxygen (released into the air as a waste product).[1] Photohydrogen may also be produced by the photodissociation of water by ultraviolet light.
Photohydrogen is sometimes discussed in the context of obtaining renewable energy from sunlight, by using microscopic organisms such as bacteria or algae. These organisms create hydrogen with the help of hydrogenase enzymes which convert protons derived from the water splitting reaction into hydrogen gas which can then be collected and used as a biofuel.[2][3]
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ NOVA scienceNOW - A 14 minute video of the NOVA broadcast about hydrogen fuel cell cars that aired on PBS, July 26, 2005. Hosted by Robert Krulwich with guests, Ray and Tom Magliozzi, the Car Talk brothers.
- ^ Gartner, John (2002-08-19). "Algae: Power Plant of the Future?". Wired. p. 1. Retrieved 2006-09-17.
- ^ Mechanic, Michael (April 2002). "It Came From the Swamp". Wired. p. 1. Retrieved 2006-09-17.
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