“It is predicted that there will be more plastic than fish by weight in the oceans by 2050. Our research is trying to address this enormous issue by making something useful – hydrogen – from waste. In order to do so, we utilize nanotechnology - in particular, tiny spheres known as quantum dots. These quantum dots act as photocatalysts, using the energy in sunlight to break down both waste and water to generate hydrogen. This system works with a variety of waste, including biomass and plastic, thereby producing pure hydrogen from abundant resources in a sustainable and economic way.”
Jacqui Jones is a graduate artist whose work responds to environmental issues. Working in a variety of media, she creates artwork and interactive installations that consider these themes in ways that are powerful and thought-provoking. She recently undertook a research project at the University of East Anglia to develop work with biodegradable plastics, and used these materials in the creation of her Cambridge Science Festival film. The bottles in the film suggest human forms, evoking many levels of interpretation, ubiquitous disposable plastic containers, consumption, and the human impact of pollution on our fragile ecosystems.
