Technology breakthrough fuels laptops and phones … (hydrogen)

[OKIsItJustMe]

http://news.msu.edu/story/8935/

Technology breakthrough fuels laptops and phones, recharges scientist’s 60-year career

Contact: Layne Cameron, University Relations, Office: [phone], Cell: [phone], [email protected]; James Dye, Chemistry, Office: [phone], [email protected]

Published: Feb. 17, 2011 E-mail Editor

Story

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This week, http://signachem.com/">SiGNa Chemistry Inc. unveiled its new hydrogen cartridges, which provide energy to fuel cells designed to recharge cell phones, laptops and GPS units. The green power source is geared toward outdoor enthusiasts as well as residents of the Third World, where electricity in homes is considered a luxury.

“SiGNa has created an inherently safe solution to produce electric power, resulting in an eco-friendly and cost-effective portable solution,” said Michael Lefenfeld, SiGNa’s CEO.

The spark for this groundbreaking technology came from the laboratory of http://www.chemistry.msu.edu/faculty/emeritus/dye.cfm">James Dye, SiGNa’s co-founder and University Distinguished Professor of Chemistry Emeritus at MSU. His work with alkali metals led to a green process to harness the power of sodium silicide, which is the source for SiGNa’s new product.

“In our lab, we were able to produce alkali metal silicides, which basically are made from sodium and silicon, which, in turn, are produced from salt and sand,” Dye said. “By adding water to sodium silicide, we’re able to produce hydrogen, which creates energy for fuel cells. The byproduct, sodium silicate, is also green. It’s the same stuff found in toothpaste.”

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(Video available at the link.)