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New possibilities uncovered for efficiently converting sunlight into clean energy

Researchers at Oregon State University have developed a new material that uses light to produce hydrogen from water, offering a cleaner alternative to current methods and potentially reducing greenhouse gas emissions. This breakthrough could simplify the production of fuel cells and chemicals, while also providing a more sustainable en...

SourceOregon State University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 28, 2026

Canadian telescope directly maps earliest glow of hydrogen, opening a new window on the universe

Researchers at the Canadian Hydrogen Intensity Mapping Experiment (CHIME) have successfully mapped the earliest glow of hydrogen gas from deep in the universe's past using only its own data. This breakthrough enables a faster, less expensive method for studying dark energy, a mysterious force driving the universe's expansion.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·DateSep 28, 2026

Printable brain-inspired chips that compute at lightning speed and vanish in minutes

Researchers have developed flexible and ultra-fast artificial synapses printed entirely from room-temperature liquid inks. These brain-inspired chips can process health data directly on the body and dissolve when no longer needed, eliminating the need for extreme vacuum chambers and rare metals.

SourceInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·JournalInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·DateSep 14, 2026

Are gas turbines ready for the hydrogen economy?

Researchers have found that hydrogen-induced embrittlement can be twice as severe in Nickel-base superalloys at elevated temperatures, posing a challenge for gas turbine safety and reliability. The study suggests that designing temperature-specific alloys with tailored microstructures could help mitigate this issue.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 29, 2026

Tracking a flight path to a green aviation future

A comprehensive study has consolidated knowledge on the production of green hydrogen for jet fuel, highlighting its potential to transform the sector. To make it commercially viable, significant research is needed on hydrogen infrastructure needs, refuelling systems, and policy frameworks.

SourceAdelaide University·JournalTransportation Research Part A Policy and Practice·DateJul 21, 2026

Rewriting the reactivity rules: A new catalyst for recycling mixed plastics

Japanese researchers have developed a catalyst that selectively degrades polyurethane in mixed plastic waste, allowing for the separation and chemical recycling of complex materials. The breakthrough opens up new possibilities for waste management, particularly in industries such as end-of-life vehicle recycling and mattress disposal.

SourceKyushu University·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 9, 2026

Cleaning up clean energy

University of Delaware researchers have developed a spray-jet method that recovers precious metals and other materials from used hydrogen-energy devices. The new recycling approach uses no harsh chemicals or burning, preserving the membrane itself while extracting platinum and iridium separately.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalInternational Journal of Hydrogen Energy·DateJul 7, 2026

Closed‑loop synergistic nitric oxide/hydrogen delivery with feedback control for diabetic wound healing

Researchers developed a Pd-Ni5P4/DCEFS system that bridges the gap between sensitive sensing modules and high-performance therapeutic actuators. The closed-loop mechanism dynamically modulates hydrogen release based on endogenous NO concentration, creating an ideal microenvironment for macrophage polarization and wound healing.

SourceShanghai Jiao Tong University Journal Center·JournalNano-Micro Letters·DateJun 9, 2026

EU rules could make fossil-free aviation fuels unnecessarily expensive and energy-intensive

The EU's plans for domestic production of fossil-free aviation fuels risk steering development towards more expensive and energy-intensive pathways. A study from Chalmers University of Technology found that the current regulatory framework favours combustion-based alternatives over gasification, leading to increased costs and energy use.

SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalFuel·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 14, 2026

A simple way of making hydrogen from alcohol by using iron and UV light

Scientists at Kyushu University have developed a simple method to produce hydrogen gas by mixing methanol with iron ions and irradiating it with UV light. The reaction produces a considerable amount of hydrogen gas comparable to that of previously reported systems, opening up new possibilities for sustainable hydrogen technologies.

SourceKyushu University·JournalCommunications Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 17, 2026

Study maps regions with the greatest potential for green hydrogen production and use in Brazil

A study analyzing municipal data identifies seven high-potential production clusters and ten consumption clusters in Brazil, highlighting the need for infrastructure investments to connect energy and industrial hubs. The research reveals a spatial disparity between production and consumption sites, posing a challenge for developing the...

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalInternational Journal of Hydrogen Energy·DateApr 7, 2026

DGIST developed world’s first AI semiconductor that uses hydrogen to remember and learn

The research team developed a two-terminal-based AI semiconductor that precisely controls hydrogen with electrical signals, resolving speed degradation and high power consumption limitations. The device ran stably for over 10,000 repetitive operations and demonstrated learning and memory functions similar to human brain synapses.

SourceDGIST (Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology)·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateMar 16, 2026

Y-doped catalyst transforms ammonia into sustainable hydrogen energy

A new Y-doped catalyst has been developed to efficiently transform ammonia into sustainable hydrogen energy, enabling a cleaner energy future. The catalyst, composed of nickel and yttrium, improves the performance of the ammonia decomposition reaction, overcoming issues of intrinsic activity and energy barriers.

Sustainable hydrogen peroxide production: Breakthroughs in electrocatalyst design for on-site synthesis

Researchers have charted a transformative path toward sustainable hydrogen peroxide production through the two-electron oxygen reduction reaction. The 'generate-and-use' approach eliminates hazardous storage and long-distance transport, making it ideal for remote areas and decentralized industrial applications.

Holistically improving the process of producing hydrogen from water

Developed at Tohoku University's Advanced Institute for Materials Research, the new catalyst enables smoother hydrogen formation under alkaline conditions. The auxiliary-driving strategy improves both steps of the hydrogen evolution reaction, resulting in higher hydrogen evolution activity and efficient production with low energy loss.

Layered hydrogen silicane for safe, lightweight, and energy-efficient hydrogen carrier

Researchers have discovered a new solid-state hydrogen carrier called layered hydrogen silicane (L-HSi) that can release hydrogen under ambient temperature and pressure. L-HSi exhibits high gravimetric hydrogen capacity and is stable, making it a promising alternative to conventional hydrogen storage systems.

SourceInstitute of Science Tokyo·JournalAdvanced Optical Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 19, 2026

Jeonbuk National University researchers highlight advancements in chemical looping fluidized bed reactors

Researchers highlight advancements in fluidized bed design, oxygen carrier materials, and performance of chemical looping systems. They emphasize the importance of controlling fluidization regime and developing physical standards for oxygen carriers.

Fossil fuel industry’s “climate false solutions” reinforce its power and aggravate environmental injustice

A study by Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona finds that fossil fuel companies' promoted low-carbon projects are ineffective in reducing emissions and prolonging the lifespan of fossil fuel infrastructures. These projects reinforce the industry's power and aggravate environmental injustice, while delaying a rapid phase-out of fossil fuels.

SourceUniversitat Autonoma de Barcelona·JournalEnergy Research & Social Science·TypeCase study·DateDec 15, 2025

Advancements and innovations in low temperature hydrogen electrochemical conversion devices driven by 3D printing technology

Researchers developed a comprehensive roadmap for additive-manufacturing of key components at <100 °C, reducing platinum use and assembly steps. The work showcases 3D-printed hydrogen components with ultra-low precious-metal loading and rapid prototype-to-test cycles.

SourceShanghai Jiao Tong University Journal Center·JournalNano-Micro Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 19, 2025

Interpretable machine intelligence for materials design of metal hydrides

Researchers developed a transparent and interpretable model to predict performance metrics of hydrogen storage materials, using atomic features as key descriptors. The model identified a fundamental trade-off between high capacity and suitable thermodynamic stability, revealing unique beryllium-based alloys with balanced characteristics.

Purine-modified platinum electrodes could cut hydrogen costs

Researchers from Chiba University have discovered a way to reduce platinum requirements in water electrolysis by adding purine bases, increasing hydrogen evolution reaction activity by 4.2 times. This development could make hydrogen production far more affordable and lead to cost reductions and improved energy conversion efficiency.

SourceChiba University·JournalInternational Journal of Hydrogen Energy·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 21, 2025

Can smoother surfaces prevent hydrogen embrittlement?

Research finds that surface roughness influences the formation and size of hydrogen-related defects in iron, leading to a new approach to material design. The study provides fundamental understanding of hydrogen embrittlement mechanisms and could reduce life-cycle costs of hydrogen technologies.

SourceChiba University·JournalInternational Journal of Hydrogen Energy·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 14, 2025

Using AI to optimize hydrogen fuel production and reduce environmental impact: Worcester Polytechnic Institute research published in Nature Chemical Engineering

A team of researchers from Worcester Polytechnic Institute has developed a new approach to producing hydrogen using plasma technology and metal alloys. The method reduces energy consumption and carbon emissions compared to traditional methods, making it more environmentally friendly and potentially affordable.

SourceWorcester Polytechnic Institute·JournalNature Chemical Engineering·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 6, 2025

Solar fuel conundrum nears a solution

Scientists have made significant progress in developing iron-based solar fuel systems, which could pave the way for cheaper and more sustainable fuels. The study reveals new mechanisms that enable efficient charge transfer between light-absorbing molecules and acceptor molecules, reducing energy losses and increasing efficiency.

SourceLund University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateSep 23, 2025

A new way to produce ammonia more efficiently

A new way to produce ammonia more efficiently has been discovered by boosting its production using low-temperature plasma. This method could create ammonia in smaller facilities closer to where it is needed, making it safer and easier to transport, and potentially leading to a transformative change in energy storage and transportation.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalACS Energy Letters·DateSep 16, 2025

Researchers achieve light-induced heterolytic hydrogen dissociation at ambient temperature

A research team developed a photochemical strategy to realize heterolytic H2 dissociation using gold-loaded titanium dioxide as a model photocatalyst. The reaction was driven by electron-hole pairs formed upon UV irradiation, producing reactive H2 species that selectively reduced polar functional groups.

SourceDalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy Sciences·JournalScience·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateSep 4, 2025