Researchers at the University of Missouri have developed a groundbreaking electrochemistry method that could revolutionise clean energy and sustainable manufacturing.
Their innovation uses micelles – tiny, ball-shaped structures derived from natural amino acids and coconut oil – to drive chemical reactions efficiently without toxic solvents or electrolytes.
Led by Associate Professor Sachin Handa and graduate student Karanjeet Kaur, the research introduces a green electrochemistry technique that significantly reduces environmental impact while improving reaction efficiency.
These micelles remain stable throughout the process, acting as solvents, electrolytes and catalysts in one.
“Notably, these micelles drive desired reactions forward, but they don’t react with anything and remain stable, making them unique from ionic micelles,” Professor Handa explained.
Beyond pharmaceutical applications, this innovation plays a crucial role in clean energy production by enabling electrocatalysis—splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen, a key step in developing green hydrogen as a sustainable fuel.
Prof Handa added:“With the same approach, hydrogen – in situ generated from water – can be potentially used as a clean fuel. Plus, we can use hydrogen to break down harmful PFAS chemicals, transforming them into useful hydrocarbons while simultaneously releasing oxygen into the air.”
This discovery offers a scalable, eco-friendly alternative to traditional chemical processes, advancing both sustainable energy solutions and environmental protection.
