Taking Hydrogen From Waste
We know that hydrogen energy is an effective energy breakthrough. But while natural gas sources make up some of it, there’s another method that’s better for the environment. It turns our trash into an energy treasure haven. Researchers are trying to extract hydrogen from waste like landfills, plastic and sewage, and plastic water bottles. Even our very own waste, in a method different than microbes. This will help lessen greenhouse gas emissions. It’s all done with a few jolts of electricity.
Scientists should use plastic waste that’s unsuitable for recycling like heavily contaminated plastic that no one wants to buy. Researcher Taylor Uekert said, “The team should carry out a more comprehensive life-cycle analysis of how the process would operate in a pilot-scale plant, including the energy used to purify the hydrogen and the toxicity of any materials involved.” It seems like our abundant use of plastic might finally serve a greater purpose (CEN).