New Method Uses Bacteria to Generate Hydrogen Gas

[Ian David]

New Method Uses Bacteria to Generate Hydrogen Gas
By Chuck Squatriglia 11.12.07 | 7:00 PM

Researchers at Penn State University say they've developed a way to use bacteria to extract hydrogen from almost any biodegradable organic substance, from grass clippings to wastewater.

Hydrogen is often touted as a virtually limitless source of clean energy, but its ecological benefits have been minimal because it is often produced using natural gas in a process that releases carbon dioxide -- a problem the new method seems to solve.

The discovery, published Monday in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, holds great promise for advancing hydrogen as a viable sustainable fuel because, the researchers say, it uses existing technology and can be put to use immediately.

"It's crossed the line from a science-fair project to feasible technology," said Bruce Logan, a professor of environmental engineering who led the research. "You can do it from any renewable organic matter."

More:
http://www.wired.com/cars/energy/news/2007/11/hydrogen_bacteria