Toasted Chicken Feathers Make Better Hydrogen Tanks for Fuel-Cells
source: http://www.fastcompany.com/blog/kit-eaton/technomix/toasted-chicken-feathers-make-better-hyd...
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- atomiclegion
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Hydrogen fuel cell technology is full of promise, but it's being held back by the problem of storing the dangerous gas safely and efficiently. Some U.S. scientists have been tackling this, and their solution is as ingenious as it is odd: Carbonized chicken feathers.
feathersThe University of Delaware team realized that the protein keratin, the main ingredient in chicken feather fibers, had fabulous properties when it's heated. Basically the keratin creates very strong cross-links when it's carbonized, and the feather fibers become extremely porous, which dramatically increases their surface area. As a result, the carbonized feathers can absorb huge amounts of hydrogen into their structure.
feathersThe University of Delaware team realized that the protein keratin, the main ingredient in chicken feather fibers, had fabulous properties when it's heated. Basically the keratin creates very strong cross-links when it's carbonized, and the feather fibers become extremely porous, which dramatically increases their surface area. As a result, the carbonized feathers can absorb huge amounts of hydrogen into their structure.
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dablaq
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Great article. I heard the broadcast interview on NPR Science Friday.
- 2 years ago
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dablaq
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atomiclegion
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dablaq:
That's the same place heard about it & then went posted the story here.
- 2 years ago
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atomiclegion
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dablaq
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dablaq:
It is a relief to find another person that listens to the Science Friday. All my friends mock me as the only one on earth that tunes to the broadcast.
- 2 years ago
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dablaq
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24French
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Chicken feathers have fabulous properties when heated? Groucho Marx needs to deliver this story.
- 2 years ago
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24French
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Solarlife
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atomiclegion
interesting hydrogen storage - 2 years ago
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Solarlife
