editorial
Analytical Chemistry and the Energy Sciences
T
he news of the economic stimulus package passed by the U.S. government, in which funds are added to the research budgets of the National Science Foundation, the National Institutes of Health, and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), is indeed heartening, especially after years of relatively flat funding for science. These appropriations should provide a boost to the research objectives in the laboratories of many worthy scholars. The boost must be viewed with some concern as to whether such large budget increments can be well allocated on the merits of the research and then spent with wisdom. Undoubtedly there will be instances of less than optimal wisdom, but on balance, this package should be a good thing for science, including analytical chemistry. In this editorial, I’m sketching out examples of the tasks of energy production, storage, and conservation, as supported by DOE, to which analytical chemists make contributions. Many are related to electrochemistry. The capture of solar energy by water-splitting includes electrocatalysis, photoelectrochemistry, and electrolyte systems. The efficient production of electric energy with fuel cells also depends on developing systems with good electrocatalysts; likewise, methanol reforming is catalyst-dependent. The efficient use of chemical energy stored in batteries and supercapacitors depends on improved electrode materials and electrolyte systems. Detection and minimization of corrosion by using coatings and alloys depend on the application of numerous electrochemical principles. Effective water desalinizationOa topic surely of increased future importanceOrequires improved membrane permeation systems and ion sensors that control them. Chemical sensing and analysis impact another large group of energy topicsOmonitoring the atmospheric components that feed the greenhouse effect on climate and improving the efficiency of automobile engines with oxygen sensors that adjust the fuel and air feeds. The geoscientists’ crucial tracing of past climate changes is aided by MS isotope measurements.
10.1021/AC900476S 2009 AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY
Published on Web 03/10/2009
Corrosion caused by trace metals and halides in biomass fuels and waste products is a problem in the steam lines in electricity production facilities, which might be ameliorated by better process sensors. The cleanup of emissions from coal-fired energy plants depends on analytical measurements of the key pollutants. Understanding of the roles of methane hydrates in different facets of energy industry production involves numerous different spectroscopies and separation methods. Near-IR measurements aid in the characterization of low-sulfur diesel fuels. These examples are far from a complete listing of analytically sensitive energy topics, but I trust the diversity of them is well apparent. Throughout, analytical chemists work alongside the good efforts of other chemical and engineering disciplines, but I hold that the need for the analytical chemists’ expertise is especially pervasive. I hope they recognize the opportunities afforded by the economic stimulus package and lend their strong efforts to the associated research enterprise. Finally, in assembling the above examples of energy science, I was impressed with how strongly, albeit indirectly, the wide range of topics impacts the U.S. populace. The need for energy emanates from the need to serve the lives of the nation’s people. The latter point is very important, as is the hope that the large dollar sums allocated to DOE are not one-time stimuli but continuing enhanced infusions. Energy research, to be effective in the public interest, must be sustained over time.
APRIL 1, 2009 / ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
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