An Argentinian university, it has been reported, has developed a motorcycle that can run on salt water.
La Moto Argentina has reported that an Argentinian student has developed a motorcycle that can run on only salt water, without fuel, as part of a university project.
Santiago Hernandez studies chemistry at university, and when learning about electrolysis he had the idea that it could be used to produce propulsion in a vehicle.
Electrolysis is the process by which an ionic compound - an ion being an atom with a non-neutral charge - is broken apart into its constituent elements using a direct current (DC).
Commercially, electrolysis can be used to create chemicals; or extract and refine metals among other things. But, it would certainly be a new step to use it to power a motorcycle.
That has been the goal of Hernandez, though. Speaking to La Moto Argentina, he said, “We need people in the world who innovate and who people support.” About his project, he added, “It would require structural modifications, especially with equipment similar to that of compressed natural gas (CNG).”
Hernandez’ project title is “Un Paso Verde de la Vez”, which translates to “One Green Step at a Time.” Certainly, if it became possible to commercialise this it would be one fairly major green step.
Currently, La Moto Argentina reports, “the prototype uses a glass jar replacing the fuel tank, in which dirty water or sea water is loaded and which feeds the electronic system to drive the rear wheel by a chain.” In its current form, there is the danger that the glass jar can explode, hence Hernandez recommends the use of CNG equipment.
Herrera has said that if he reaches 10,000 followers on his TikTok (santyherrera01) he will create a tutorial video explaining how to make a similar system, so people can try it themselves at home.
Lead image courtesy of La Moto Argentina.
