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New strategy enables co-production of hydrogen and fresh water from seawater

Researchers have found a way to harness waste heat from water electrolysis to desalinate seawater and produce fresh water alongside hydrogen. The new STHW process couples alkaline water electrolysis with low-temperature vacuum distillation desalination, achieving high hydrogen productivity and improving electrical efficiency.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalNature Energy·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 17, 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

World-leading hydrogen production achieved: Seoul National University, Stanford University, and SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory team develop atom-count-controlled cluster catalyst

Researchers successfully engineered a novel platinum cluster catalyst that maximizes hydrogen production performance while minimizing platinum usage. The catalyst enables precise control over the number of atoms in each cluster, achieving world-leading hydrogen production per unit of platinum.

SourceSeoul National University College of Engineering·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 5, 2026

New study links erosion to natural hydrogen potential in mountain ranges

A new international study confirms that erosion plays a key role in forming and accumulating natural hydrogen in mountain ranges. The Pyrenees and Alps are identified as key targets for natural hydrogen exploration, with the right conditions allowing for efficient serpentinization and hydrogen production.

SourceUniversity of Lausanne·JournalJournal of Geophysical Research Solid Earth·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 18, 2026

Planning for hydrogen under geopolitical uncertainty

A new study analyzes three scenarios for green hydrogen production and trade, highlighting the need for policymakers and businesses to address uncertainties in global supply chains. The Fuel Switch scenario assumes stable alliances, but may misdirect investment; Industrial Relocation shifts production to low-cost regions with abundant ...

SourceResearch Institute for Sustainability (RIFS) – Helmholtz Centre Potsdam·JournalNature Reviews Clean Technology·TypeSystematic review·DateMay 7, 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

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.

Local water supply crucial to success of hydrogen initiative in Europe

A new study from Chalmers University finds that local water supply is critical to the success of Europe's hydrogen initiative, with some regions facing severe water shortages if production is not planned carefully. The research suggests that areas like Sweden's Sörmland and Roslagen could be hard-pressed even without hydrogen production.

SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalNature Sustainability·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 25, 2026

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

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

New catalyst unlocks low-temperature hydrogen from methane with reduced carbon emissions

Scientists developed a novel catalyst system that can generate hydrogen from methane at lower temperatures while minimizing carbon buildup. The breakthrough achieved high methane conversion rates and demonstrated remarkable stability, pointing to cheaper and greener production methods for clean transportation and industrial processes.

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

Above the battle, beyond the horizon

The US Navy has developed a technology that uses stratospheric high-altitude balloons (HABs) and unmanned aircraft to enable 'over the horizon' operations. The system combines HABs with hydrogen fuel cell-powered long-range unmanned aircraft, allowing for extended range and persistence in remote locations.

Associate professor Guo-Ming Weng’s group published a research article on simultaneous methane conversion and hydrogen production in Science Bulletin

Researchers developed a NiO/Ni heterostructure electrocatalyst that enhances methane conversion and hydrogen production. The catalyst achieved high liquid product formation rates and remarkable Faradaic efficiencies. In situ characterization revealed the reaction mechanism, identifying key active species and promoting efficient electro...

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience Bulletin·DateAug 11, 2025

Revealing the secrets to good catalytic performance in metal sulfides

Researchers at Institute of Science Tokyo discovered that metal sulfides with seven to eight d electrons show superior catalytic activity. This volcano-shaped relationship provides guidelines for designing more effective catalysts, accelerating the development of efficient water-splitting catalysts for green hydrogen production.

SourceInstitute of Science Tokyo·JournalCatalysis Science & Technology·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 25, 2025

High-purity green hydrogen with very low tar from biomass, with chemical looping gasification

A study from the University of Johannesburg presents a promising industrial process that can turn sugarcane waste into green hydrogen with high energy efficiency and low tar content. The Sorption-Enhanced Chemical Looping Gasification (SECLG) process produces a small fraction of unwanted by-products, making it an attractive alternative...

SourceUniversity of Johannesburg·JournalRenewable Energy·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 14, 2025

Sustainable method produces high-purity material for use in green hydrogen production

Researchers developed a simple, economical and environmentally friendly purification method for mullite-type bismuth ferrite, improving its efficiency in producing green hydrogen. The process uses light and glycerol to eliminate unwanted compounds, resulting in high-purity material suitable for photoelectrochemical reactions.

New porous crystal catalyst offers durable, efficient solution for clean hydrogen production

A new catalyst structure featuring mesoporous single-crystalline Co3O4 doped with atomically dispersed iridium (Ir) has been proposed as a potential pathway toward cost-effective hydrogen production. The material achieves efficient use of Ir while maintaining stability, reducing leaching during reaction.

SourceAdvanced Institute for Materials Research (AIMR), Tohoku University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateApr 23, 2025