New technology could help power portable devices like
satellite phones and radios
Super-small particles of silicon react with water to produce
hydrogen almost instantaneously, according to University at Buffalo
researchers.
In a series of experiments, the scientists created spherical
silicon particles about 10 nanometers in diameter. When combined with water,
these particles reacted to form silicic acid (a nontoxic byproduct) and
hydrogen — a potential source of energy for fuel cells.