Photoelectrolysis Using Metal Oxides And Other Semiconductors

Photoelectrolysis
Certain materials, generally metal oxides, can sustain the unassisted photo-electrolysis of water into H2 and O2. The energy contained in the photons that are absorbed by these materials can in many cases be efficiently converted into energy stored into the chemical fuels produced by the photo-electrolysis system. However, these materials have optical absorption thresholds (band gaps) that are too large to permit effective absorption of the visible and infrared portions of the solar spectrum, thereby wasting a large fraction of the incident solar energy and yielding overall energy conversion efficiencies of o 1%. Modification of metal oxide materials has been claimed to be much more promising, with a modified TiO 2 photo-anode yielding 8% efficiency in the photo-assisted splitting of water into H2 and O2 . (more…)

Household Fuel Use Patterns In Developing Countries

Indoor air quality (IAQ) research deals with the presence, levels, health effects, and control of physical, chemical, and biological factors in indoor environments, including homes, workplaces, and vehicles. IAQ research in industrialized countries has examined hundreds of specific factors (e.g., temperature, various chemicals, and mold), sources of pollution environment (e.g., environmental tobacco smoke, occupational factors, consumer cleaning products, and moisture), and control technologies (e.g., ventilation). (more…)

The Growing Scarcity of Fossil Fuels

From prehistory until the Industrial Revolution, most energy sources used by humans were localized (i.e., available within 5–10 miles of end users). Energy sources included draft animals, human slaves, and renewable sources such as biomass (wood and wastes), water mills, and wind power. Following the onset of the Industrial Revolution, with advancements in transportation technology and increased rates of deforestation in many regions, societies increasingly relied on long-distance shipments of coal, wood, and eventually oil, natural gas, and electric power. (more…)

Main Energy Sources: Renewable and Nonrenewable Energy

main energy sources
The energy that people use every day comes from many different sources. The resources are divided into two main groups: renewable energy and nonrenewable energy. Renewable energy sources are those that can be used again and again. Renewable energy resources have unlimited supply. (more…)

Energy Technology and Modern Urbanization

The age of industrialization came into full force through the modern exploration and use of fossil fuels. As one of its most striking phenomena, the rapid expansion of cities throughout the late 19th and the 20th centuries was a direct outcome of the fossil fuel energy economy as well. (more…)

Choosing Alternative Energy Investment – Funds and Stocks Market

With popularity of clean energy, the reduction of carbon and the movement toward earth friendliness, it seems that investment in alternative energy fund would be virtually no risk. But like any new industry, there is no guarantee that all sectors of the market will be successful. Since the technology bubble, which began in the early and mid 90s the market for alternative energy will soon separate winners from losers. If you are lucky or wise enough to choose an achiever, you soon will be getting great gain in your investment. On the other hand, losses are for those who have taken up the approximation that was not well received by the substantial market. (more…)

Alternative Fuels and Vehicles Cost-Competitive

alternative fuels vehicles
The increase in the prices of major fuels, like gasoline and diesel fuel products is a major global problems recently. Those prices are increase associated with the global economic crisis. Now, it is the ideal time to move all the focus and effort to alternative fuels for vehicles. There are different types of alternative energy sources for fuel to choose from. But the hard fact is that the areas of alternative fuels have not passed many real qualitative and quantitative surveys and breakthrough research. (more…)

Energy Demand and Energy Consumption: Some Current Issues

energy consumption
World energy use has increased steadily over the past several decades. Much of the growth in world energy consumption has been concentrated on the use of fossil fuels (oil, natural gas, and coal). This trend is expected to continue over the foreseeable future. Industrially mature nations will continue to rely on fossil fuels to meet their energy needs for all end uses, but the greatest rate of energy use is projected to occur in the emerging economies of the developing world. (more…)