Article

Researchers from Ulm and Jena have developed a water-soluble, redox-active copolymer capable of storing solar energy and converting it to hydrogen on demand. This system operates reversibly, achieving over 80% loading efficiency and maintaining this state for several days.

A pH switch allows for reactivation of the energy storage process. The hydrogen production process operates independently of sunlight, with a high efficiency of 72%. The project, part of the TRR/SFB 234 'CataLight', is supported by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft with over twelve million euros from 2023 to 2026. It aims to enhance sustainable methods of green hydrogen production for industrial processes, including climate-neutral steel production.