Researchers from the Chinese Academy of Sciences have significantly improved the efficiency in the production and conversion of water into hydrogen using solar light, setting a new record in the photocatalytic dissociation of water.
This advancement represents a crucial step in the generation of clean energy, reducing the dependence on expensive and complex equipment.
Two methods for solar hydrogen production
Currently, the production of hydrogen with solar energy is based on two approaches:
- Water electrolysis using solar energy, using photovoltaic panels.
- Direct water splitting with semiconductor materials, where certain catalysts separate the molecules under solar light.
The key to the advancement lies in the improvement of titanium dioxide, a material capable of generating electron-hole pairs when exposed to solar light, facilitating the separation of hydrogen and oxygen.
Material restructuring with scandium
The research team, led by Liu Gang, addressed the limitations of titanium dioxide, such as rapid recombination of electrons and holes, by introducing scandium into its structure. This rare earth element:
- Neutralizes the charge imbalance caused by the loss of oxygen.
- Eliminates trap sites that capture electrons.
- Improves the crystal structure, allowing a more efficient flow of electrons.
Results and potential applications
Thanks to the material reconfiguration, efficiency has increased significantly:
- Utilization of ultraviolet light above 30%.
- Production of hydrogen 15 times more efficiently than previous materials.
- Generation of up to 10 liters of hydrogen per square meter on a sunny day.
A new horizon for renewable energy
This development opens the door to more accessible solutions for hydrogen production, a key element in the transition to clean and sustainable energies. Its publication in the Journal of the American Chemical Society marks a milestone in energy research, with significant implications for the industry and the fight against climate change.
Cover photo: Xinhua
