Fuel cells purify water and generate electricity

Yanbiao Liu and his colleagues from Jiao Tong University in Shanghai have been successful in designing and manufacturing a device that can both clean wastewater and produce electricity.

Using light as an energy source, the team created an image of a catalytic fuel cell, using titanium dioxide nanotubes with two anode poles and cathode.

Light energy decomposes organic matter in waste water. Then it goes through the cathode and converts it into electricity. The team published the results in the American Journal of Science and Technology.

Mr. Liu noted in the report that wastewater often pollutes the environment. However, it is also a source of raw materials that can be processed and used to generate energy. Every day, people emit millions of tons of waste. With the advancement of science today, we should make use of the cheap, available resources.

In addition to organic matter, the wastewater contains other components that must be removed before being reused for other purposes. In the laboratory, the team tested the fuel cell's ability to distinguish fragrances (perfumes), azo dyes, pharmaceuticals, or personal care products. The results show that it is possible to separate organic compounds to produce clean water.

In order for the system to take advantage of the sun's light, the team conducted electrode adjustments with semiconductors (such as CdS). This means that when introduced into mass production, this wastewater treatment system can be used extensively in life.

So far, the team has yet to estimate the cost of purchasing the necessary equipment, building a new wastewater treatment plant.

But so far, it's easy to see the benefits of this research in the future. In addition to cleaning wastewater from rivers, streams, and lakes, people in these areas will also benefit, possibly using the electricity generated during this process.