Scientists from Russia and Italy have synthesized a substance that will help recycle organic waste and produce hydrogen fuel from water - barium bismuthate, reported the Russian Science Foundation (RSF).

"Photocatalytic substances can serve as effective materials for waste recycling. When irradiated with light, they break down organic pollutants into molecules. Typically, titanium oxide is used as such material, but it reacts only when exposed to ultraviolet light, which makes it difficult for widespread industrial use. During a new study, chemists have found an alternative - barium bismuthate, which can decompose pollutants, split water and carbon dioxide" - told in the Russian Science Foundation.

The development will make a significant contribution to reducing the amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. The material could also be used to make hydrogen fuel.

"The results of our study will help predict in which other reactions the photocatalytic activity of barium bismuth may appear. This will allow its use in several areas of environmentally friendly, so-called "green economy", for example, for purifying wastewater from organic pollutants, as well as photocatalytic production of hydrogen from water for the needs of hydrogen power," said project manager Dmitry Shtarev.

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Author: Karina Kamalova