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An iron oxide ‘oxygen sponge’ for efficient thermochemical hydrogen production

Researchers at Pohang University of Science & Technology have developed a novel iron-based catalyst that more than doubles the conversion efficiency of thermochemical green hydrogen production. The new catalyst, iron-poor nickel ferrite (Fe-poor NiFe2O4), enables significantly greater oxygen capacity even at lower temperatures.

Uncovering the hidden cost of water splitting

A Northwestern University study reveals that water molecules flip before releasing oxygen atoms, significantly increasing energy consumption. Increasing pH levels of water reduces this energy cost, making water splitting a more practical and cost-effective process.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 15, 2025

Rare earth element-enhanced TiO2 achieves high-efficiency photocatalytic overall water splitting

Researchers have developed a novel semiconductor material that significantly improves the efficiency of photocatalytic water splitting by eliminating charge recombination and facilitating efficient charge separation. The Sc-doped TiO2 semiconductor achieves a record-breaking quantum yield of 30.3% and a solar-to-hydrogen efficiency of ...

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 8, 2025

Step forward in generating solar-powered hydrogen

Researchers at Flinders University and Baylor University have made a breakthrough in generating sustainable and efficient hydrogen from water using solar power. A novel solar cell process, combined with a catalyst, could be used to produce pollution-free hydrogen energy.

SourceFlinders University·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry C·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 17, 2024

Green hydrogen: ‘Artificial leaf’ becomes better under pressure

Researchers at HZB have increased the efficiency of photoelectrochemical cells by operating them under elevated pressure. This reduces losses due to bubble formation and improves light illumination, resulting in a relative increase of 5-10 percent in overall efficiency. The optimal operating pressure range is between 6-8 bar.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 31, 2024

New study unveils scalable and efficient photoelectrode modules for green hydrogen production

Researchers at UNIST have developed a scalable and efficient photoelectrode module for green hydrogen production, overcoming challenges of efficiency, stability, and scalability. The team's innovative approach achieved unprecedented efficiency, durability, and scalability in producing green hydrogen using solar energy.

Green hydrogen could reach economic viability by co-production of valuable chemicals

Researchers have discovered a way to make solar hydrogen production economically viable by co-producing high-value chemicals like methylsuccinic acid. By coupling the photoelectrochemical (PEC) process with hydrogenation, the cost of hydrogen drops significantly, making it competitive with fossil gas.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 5, 2023

Device makes hydrogen from sunlight with record efficiency

Rice University engineers have created a device that converts sunlight into hydrogen with unprecedented efficiency, opening up new possibilities for clean energy and sustainable fuel production. The innovative technology uses halide perovskite semiconductors and electrocatalysts in a single, durable device.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 20, 2023

New catalysts for solar hydrogen production

Researchers have developed novel photocatalysts using layered metal-organic frameworks that exhibit improved charge separation properties. These materials are able to efficiently extract charges without structural defects, enabling record values in photocatalytic hydrogen production under visible light.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalAdvanced Energy Materials·DateJul 19, 2023

New recipes for better solar fuel production

A team of researchers from China and the UK has developed new ways to optimise the production of solar fuels by creating novel photocatalysts. These photocatalysts, such as titanium dioxide with boron nitride, can absorb more wavelengths of light and produce more hydrogen compared to traditional methods.

SourceXi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University·JournalApplied Surface Science·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 11, 2023

Green hydrogen: How photoelectrochemical water splitting may become competitive

Researchers have developed a method to reduce the energy payback time of photoelectrochemical water splitting, making it more sustainable and competitive. The approach involves producing not only green hydrogen but also methyl succinic acid, which can be used as an intermediate product.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 20, 2023

Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology researchers design durable organic semiconductor photocathodes with metal foil encapsulation

Researchers from Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology design a novel approach to create durable organic semiconductor photocathodes, enabling high-efficiency conversion of solar energy to hydrogen. The developed photocathodes demonstrate remarkable stability and can produce hydrogen under actual sunlight.

SourceGIST (Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology)·JournalJournal of Materials Chemistry A·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 22, 2022

Solar hydrogen: Better photoelectrodes through flash heating

Scientists have created new photoelectrode materials with improved performance by rapidly heating metal-oxide thin films to high temperatures without damaging the underlying glass substrate. This breakthrough increases the efficiency of solar water splitting and has potential applications for producing 'green' hydrogen and quantum dots.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalACS Energy Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 4, 2022

Water splitting for solar energy conversion

Researchers have developed a highly-efficient water decomposition reaction using BaTaO2N photocatalyst, achieving nearly 100 times the efficiency of conventional methods. The new method involves sequential cocatalyst decoration on the surface of BaTaO2N particles, resulting in high dispersion and improved hydrogen production.

SourceShinshu University·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 30, 2021

Solar-powered hydrogen fuels a step closer

Researchers at the University of Bath have successfully waterproofed perovskite solar cells using a graphite coating, enabling the direct generation of clean hydrogen fuels from sunlight. This breakthrough could lead to more affordable and sustainable solar energy solutions.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 8, 2019

Getting in Shape

Scientists have developed a novel approach to synthesize highly crystalline triazine frameworks, which demonstrate exceptional thermal stability and high photocatalytic efficiency. This method could be the starting point for industrial production of these frameworks.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateAug 21, 2018