Science Magazine Podcast Unlocking green hydrogen, and oxygen deprivation as medicine
Jan 23, 2025
Robert Service, a staff writer for Science Magazine, dives into the exciting advancements in green hydrogen production, highlighting innovations in electrolyzers that promise sustainable energy. Meanwhile, Robert Rogers, a postdoctoral fellow specializing in molecular biology, discusses the intriguing potential of hypoxia as a medical treatment. He explores its efficacy for conditions like mitochondrial defects and brain inflammation, weighing the benefits of chronic low oxygen levels against the challenges of consistent delivery. A fascinating blend of science and innovation!
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Green Hydrogen Cost
- Green hydrogen, made by splitting water with renewable energy, is significantly more expensive than hydrogen from methane.
- Current green hydrogen production costs around $5/kg, equivalent to $5/gallon of gasoline.
History of Electrolyzers
- Electrolyzers, devices splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen, have been around for over a century.
- Early uses included hydrogen production for French airships and synthetic fertilizer.
Electrolyzer Efficiency Improvement
- Hydrogen production efficiency in electrolyzers is hindered by bubbles blocking water access to electrodes.
- A group in Australia improved efficiency by using capillary forces to wick water up, keeping electrodes drier.