A new step in hydrogen production from water using sunlight

Scientists from Oregon State University have worked on a new material that could contribute to hydrogen production from water by utilizing only sunlight. The research is notable for technologies that could lower costs in clean hydrogen production and reduce dependence on fossil fuels.

In the study conducted at the university's College of Science, a method aiming to convert solar energy directly into chemical energy was tested. In this approach, instead of generating electricity with conventional solar panels and then performing electrolysis, the goal is for special light-absorbing materials to accelerate reactions within water.

Photocatalysts are at the center of the research. Photocatalysts are defined as substances that facilitate chemical reactions by absorbing light energy. The team led by Kyriakos Stylianou focused on porous crystalline materials known as metal-organic frameworks for this purpose.

HOW DOES BVR-19 WORK?

A metal-organic framework called BVR-19 was used in the experiments. It was stated that this material has a sulfur-sulfur bond that can temporarily break down when exposed to light, creating reactive sulfur species. This structure is considered important for capturing light energy and transferring electrons to reactions that support hydrogen production.

According to the researchers, one of the prominent aspects of the method is that it aims to operate without the need for an external energy source other than sunlight. Furthermore, the fact that BVR-19 can be synthesized in aqueous solutions and at room temperature could contribute to making the production process more practical in the future.

The team also examined different versions by maintaining the main structure of the material and changing only the metal it contains. Through these experiments, they investigated how small changes in the composition of metal-organic frameworks reflect on performance.

Hydrogen is cited as one of the energy carriers that could be an alternative to fossil fuels in areas such as transportation and industry. However, the method by which hydrogen is produced determines both its cost and its environmental impact. In methane-steam reforming, one of the common production methods today, natural gas is used and carbon dioxide is released during the process.

According to estimates reported in sources, while the cost of hydrogen produced via methane-steam reforming is around 1.50 dollars per kilogram, the cost of green hydrogen obtained with renewable energy can reach up to approximately 5 dollars. Therefore, materials that can use sunlight directly in chemical reactions are important for making green hydrogen more accessible.

However, the study does not mean an application that will completely replace natural gas in homes in the short term. The researchers point out that more evaluation is needed on topics such as efficiency, long-term stability, and total cost for the method to be used on a commercial scale.