"Hydrogen Gas Solar Production Technology" - November 2002

"Hydrogen Gas Solar Production Technology" - November 2002

A research team at Pennsylvania State University in the United States developed a new technology that uses sunlight to electrolyze water and generate hydrogen gas. This technology uses titanium dioxide (TiO₂) as a catalyst, which is more efficient at utilizing solar energy than traditional electrolysis methods. The titanium dioxide catalyst absorbs specific wavelengths of sunlight and facilitates the separation of oxygen and hydrogen during electrolysis. The catalyst is particularly long-lasting and stable, making it more cost-effective than conventional catalysts.

In experiments conducted at Pennsylvania State University's facilities, it was confirmed that over 80% of the sunlight was efficiently utilized, with a hydrogen production rate of about 30 liters per hour. What makes this technology unique is that it relies entirely on renewable energy sources, generating hydrogen without the use of fossil fuels. The technology has also garnered attention from energy giant ExxonMobil, which has formed a partnership to work towards commercialization. This technology is expected to enable the low-cost, large-scale production of hydrogen, accelerating the widespread adoption of hydrogen energy.