Article

The UNIST research team has developed an artificial leaf capable of producing hydrogen under indoor LED lighting. The system employs a sulfide-based photoelectrode that absorbs weak light to generate charge particles, which then react with water at a 3D nickel catalyst, producing hydrogen.

This design minimizes photo-corrosion and maximizes charge utilization, achieving a photocurrent comparable to expensive platinum catalysts without external voltage. A module of four artificial leaves recorded a total photocurrent of 5 mA. The team aims to enhance hydrogen separation technologies for commercialization.