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Urine could power future cars
14 July 2009
Urine-powered cars could be available in six months with new technology developed by scientists from Ohio University.
Using a nickel-based electrode, the scientists claim they can create cheap hydrogen from urine that could be used in fuel cells to power cars, houses and other appliances.
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Urine is rich in hydrogen, and extracting the chemical from urine requires only a quarter of the energy needed to extract it from water.
"One cow can provide enough energy to supply hot water for 19 houses," said Gerardine Botte, a professor at Ohio University developing the technology.
A urine-powered fuel cell vehicle could theoretically achieve 90 miles per gallon, according to the scientists behind the reasearch.
"It is not a solution for all our cars," said John Stickney, a chemist and professor at the University of Georgia, "but it is the kind of process which will find many applications and will make for a greener world."
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