To solve this problem, Jin Xuan, an assistant professor of mechanical engineering at Heriot-Watt University in Scotland, worked with Yale University, City University of Hong Kong, and East China University of Science and Technology to work together to improve the hydrogen production technology of solar energy. This will allow hydrogen to gradually become a part of renewable energy.
Photoelectrochemical (PEC) Electrolytic water technology is one of the solar hydrogen generation methods. Solar energy and catalysts decompose water into hydrogen and oxygen. In the past, PEC electrolyzed water technology required 1.23 eV (eV), and only one UV was used. The band can only promote its reaction, resulting in a large spectrum of waste.
The team developed a pH-differential design to reduce the energy requirement to 0.35 eV. By changing the pH of each electrode individually, the thermodynamics of the electrolyzed water process are completely different, enabling PEC electrolyzed water technology. Can be used more cheaply with more spectrum to work.
In order to adapt to the difference in acid and helium values, the new microsystem will produce a unique microfluidic mode and allow acidic and alkaline electrolytes to be stored in the same cell at the same time. The new system can also reduce PEC electrolysis water. 20% of the cost will increase solar fuel conversion efficiency by 20%.
Prof. Xuan said that both in the UK and globally, the cost is the biggest challenge for solar hydrogen generation technology. Its cost is about twice that of wind and biomass, and the new system will be able to use cheaper and more readily available materials. This means that the technology can be easily commercialized and meet the growing demand for hydrogen fuel. The team has also actually used the technology in fuel cells.
Hannah Smith, Senior Policy Manager, Scottish Renewables, said that this research has made the possibility of renewable energy resources in the UK more diversified. Green hydrogen can be used in home heating and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, and accelerate the speed of decarbonization in the United Kingdom.
John Underhill, chief scientist at Heriot-Watt University, pointed out that how to achieve low-carbon and safe energy is one of the biggest challenges currently, and Heriot-Watt University is testing the feasibility study of new energy systems, which will help future energy transition.