Cheap Green Hydrogen Without External Energy Input Using Solar Device Developed by University of Michigan

Cheap Green Hydrogen Without External Energy Input Using Solar Device Developed by University of Michigan

Here’s an article posted in New Atlas.

According to the article,

• A team of researchers from the University of Michigan has developed a photocatalytic device that can pull hydrogen out of seawater without needing any external energy input other than sunlight.
• The device harnesses a broad spectrum of sunlight, including the infrared spectrum, to split water at a solid 9% efficiency – nearly a tenfold improvement from other devices of its kind.

Let’s break down the process and key features of this innovative device:

1. Semiconductor Material: The heart of the device is a semiconductor material made from indium gallium nitride nanostructures grown onto a silicon surface. This material is crucial for absorbing sunlight and initiating the water-splitting process.
2. Concentrated Sunlight: Unlike many other artificial photosynthesis devices, the UMich semiconductor can utilize concentrated sunlight effectively. This is a significant advantage, as high-intensity light can typically cause degradation in other systems. Concentrated sunlight is achieved by focusing sunlight onto the semiconductor material, providing ample energy for the water-splitting reaction.
3. Heat Utilization: The UMich device employs a unique approach by leveraging heat generated from infrared light to accelerate the water-splitting reaction. The semiconductor absorbs higher-frequency wavelengths of light for the photochemical reaction, while lower-frequency infrared light heats the chamber to around 70°C (158°F). This elevated temperature not only enhances the reaction rate but also prevents the recombination of hydrogen and oxygen molecules, ensuring efficient separation and collection.
4. Efficiency: The efficiency of the device is a crucial metric for assessing its performance. In idealized lab conditions using purified water, the device achieved an impressive efficiency of 9%. Even when tested with tap water, it maintained a commendable efficiency of around 7%. In outdoor tests simulating real-world conditions with natural sunlight variability, the device returned an efficiency of 6.2%. While these figures may be slightly lower than some other photoelectrochemical devices, they are still significant, especially considering the device’s smaller size and lower cost.
5. Seawater Splitting: One of the most promising aspects of the UMich device is its ability to split seawater efficiently. This is a critical feature considering the growing scarcity of freshwater resources worldwide. The device demonstrated consistent efficiency even when splitting seawater, highlighting its potential to address water scarcity while producing hydrogen as a clean energy source.

Overall, the UMich artificial photosynthesis device represents a promising advancement in renewable energy technology. Its ability to efficiently utilize concentrated sunlight, leverage heat for enhanced reaction rates, and effectively split seawater make it a compelling solution for sustainable hydrogen production and combating climate change. With further refinement and scale-up, this technology could play a crucial role in the transition to a carbon-neutral future.

Interestingly, we have some other posts related to this content:

1. Green Hydrogen Production Boosts by Solar Device: Hits 20% Efficiency
   • A new solar-radiation-concentrating device has surpassed 20% efficiency in hydrogen production, generating green hydrogen at over 2 kilowatts and usable heat at 70°C, potentially applicable in hospitals, electric vehicles, and residential heating.
2. Hydrogen-Producing Rooftop Solar Panels: The Future of Clean Energy
   • Researchers at KU Leuven have developed hydrogen-producing rooftop solar panels nearing commercialization. These panels are compatible with common PV structures and utilize non-precious materials to keep costs low, indicating readiness for industrial production.
3. AI Solar Tech For Green Hydrogen – Lancaster and Heliogen
   • Lancaster has partnered with Heliogen to employ AI solar technology for green hydrogen production, aiming to power the city’s fleet with AI-enabled solar energy technology.