Scientists at sharjah University in the United Arab Emirates have developed a unique technology that can extract clean hydrogen fuel directly from sea water, that too without any chemicals or expensive desalination (salt removal) process.
Direct hydrogen production without removing salt
This technology makes it possible to produce hydrogen at an industrial level from sea water without removing mineral salts. Generally, pure water is required to make hydrogen, which is not available in many countries, but this new discovery has eliminated that need.
Multilayered electrode
According to Dr. Tanveer Ul Haq, the lead scientist of this research, the team has prepared a multi-layered electrode that protects itself from corrosion and degradation caused by chloride ions in sea water. This electrode creates a micro-environment that accelerates hydrogen production and also makes the device durable for a long time.
No desalination, no pollution
The system does not use any chemicals and yet it works for 300 hours without any performance loss. Moreover, 98% of the electrical input is directly converted into hydrogen gas, making it highly efficient and sustainable.
A boon for desert and marine areas
The technology is specifically designed for regions rich in sunlight and marine resources, such as the UAE. There is a severe shortage of freshwater here, but both sea and sun are abundant. Scientists believe that this will make it possible to build solar hydrogen farms in coastal areas. The new electrode design has a carbonate layer that not only protects the electrode from chloride ions, but also speeds up the oxygen generation process (OER), which is essential for producing hydrogen. The discovery has not only made it to research papers but has also caught the attention of clean energy startups and innovation hubs. Now scientists are preparing to test it in real conditions as a pilot project involving a solar-powered, seawater-based hydrogen generator..jpg)
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