The production of green hydrogen, a crucial clean energy source for the future, is at the forefront of a major breakthrough achieved by a team of Spanish researchers. These scientists have developed new materials capable of generating hydrogen from water using microwave radiation, paving the way for a more efficient and sustainable method.
Illustrative image from Pixabay
This project is the result of collaboration between the Institute of Chemical Technology (ITQ), the Institute of Information and Communication Technologies (ITACA) at the Universitat Politècnica de València (UPV), and the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC). Together, they have developed innovative materials that harness microwave radiation to significantly enhance hydrogen extraction from water, while using renewable electric energy and eliminating CO
2 emissions typically associated with hydrogen production.
The researchers focused their efforts on improving redox cycles, where the material stably absorbs and releases oxygen from water. These cycles take advantage of materials' properties that respond to microwave radiation to make the process more efficient. The basic principle involves electron transfer between atoms of different elements under an induced electromagnetic field, thereby enabling the electrification of the process.
The use of microwaves offers unique advantages in this context, particularly by providing electrical energy without physical contact and drastically reducing the operating temperature from 2,372°F (1,300°C) to 752°F (400°C). This temperature decrease simplifies hydrogen extraction while maximizing energy efficiency.
One of the main innovations of this research lies in the thorough study of material properties that influence process performance. The team has laid the groundwork for designing materials capable of adapting oxygen and hydrogen production depending on the desired application. Moreover, they have demonstrated the feasibility of extracting oxygen through a rapid and controlled pulsed process.
José Manuel Catalá, director of the ITACA Institute, emphasizes the importance of cavity design where microwaves are applied, as well as controlling this radiation process to fully exploit the benefits of this technology. He notes that this technology has already proven its energy efficiency and its ability to quickly adapt to various industrial applications.
Finally, José Manuel Serra, director of the ITQ, explains that this study has allowed for detailed analysis of the influence of dopants introduced into cerium oxide, the base material. These dopants are essential for adjusting interaction with microwave radiation and enhancing the properties of the final material. This will facilitate future design of even more efficient materials for hydrogen production.
Article author: Cédric DEPOND