This week in chemistry, I discovered the benefits and drawbacks of fuel-cell technology and photovoltaic energy. However, the chemistry textbook we’re using is more than a few years out of date—and when it comes to modern technology, even the smallest time frames can make a huge difference.
Although the primary fuel cell technology mentioned in the book (Molten Carbonate Fuel Cells, or MCFCs) are still being improved upon, the industry’s current focus centers around Proton Exchange Membrane fuel cells and Solid Oxide (SOFC) fuel cells. These kinds eliminate the need for precious-metal catalysts like platinum, solving a key problem that the outdated chemistry textbook mentioned. The basic chemical concepts behind fuel cells and their reactions still apply—and will likely remain the same. But the ways in which we stretch and bend these concepts, in order to push past limitations, are constantly evolving.
I noticed that the same is true for photovoltaic energy, or solar cells. Instead of relying on expensive interactions between the two main types of silicon, N and P, current PV technology has switched entirely to N-type crystal silicon. No longer bound by the constraints of costly materials like platinum, modern PV cells are able to achieve efficiencies between 22% and 26%, with certain cutting-edge types pushing 30%. (This may not sound very appetizing, but consider that when our chemistry textbook was written—sometime in 2023—the industry standard was only 15%).
The bottom line? If we can master the basic chemical or physical properties behind a new technology, then there are thousands of ways we can continue to push the limits of our world and bend our knowledge to the limits. As Steve Jobs demonstrated with the revolutionary Macintosh in 1984, anyone can build a “satisfactory”, utilitarian computing device. But only the best—only those who think differently—can take fundamental concepts to dizzying new heights.