Scientists from Weizmann Institute of Science in Israel have recently discovered a method to extract zinc metal using solar power, which in turn can then be used to produce hydrogen.

• Peplow, M. "Sunlight used to smelt zinc: Solar technique could lead to cleaner, cheaper hydrogen." Nature News. 4 August 2005 at www.nature.com/news/2005/050801/full/050801-11.html

The researchers focused an intense beam of sunlight, created with more than 60 mirrors, onto zinc oxide and charcoal. Zinc powder is then created, which can in turn be used to produce hydrogen, released from water when poured over the powder. The process is not completely carbon free, as the charcoal releases carbon monoxide, which will convert to atmospheric CO2. However, the Institute claims that if the technology were applied to a larger industrial project, the carbon monoxide could be used to create more hydrogen. In an effort to reduce the carbon byproducts, the researchers aim to explore whether agricultural waste can be used in lieu of charcoal.

Implications: Hydrogen is a clean fuel source that can be used in fuel cells, power vehicles, and generate heat and electricity. However, hydrogen gas does not exist in a natural form that can be used and captured. Thus, its use is dependent on extracting it from compounds that contain hydrogen. The production process can be energy and carbon intensive. If researchers are successful, the hydrogen production process could become more climate friendly -- and even cost-effective. In addition, ongoing research may succeed in developing a process that could use solar technology for hydrogen production in vehicles -- eliminating the need to develop a new infrastructure to deliver hydrogen to vehicles.