xas_jared_steven20130827nm_1110web.jpgGold nanoparticles could hold the key to the development of highly-efficient fuel cells that convert alcohol into energy. 

Glycerol is a kind of alcohol with some very attractive properties as a potential energy source. It’s renewable, non-toxic and energy-dense, and much safer to use than hydrogen or fossil fuels. Scientists have demonstrated that it’s possible to oxidise (burn) glycerol in a fuel cell to produce energy. The problem is that so far, the process is just too slow.

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