University of Sydney Develops Cost-Effective Method for Hydrogen Production from Seawater Using Gallium and Sunlight
Researchers from the University of Sydney have developed a method to produce green hydrogen directly from seawater using liquid gallium and sunlight. The technique, detailed in Nature Communications, operates without the need for electricity or purified water, allowing for large-scale production even in areas with limited freshwater. The process is circular, as gallium can be recycled, and achieves a maximum efficiency of 12.9%. This innovation could significantly impact hydrogen production, especially in coastal regions and countries with scarce freshwater resources.
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A team from the University of Sydney has created a method to extract hydrogen from seawater using liquid gallium and sunlight, potentially revolutionizing energy transition by reducing costs and complexity in hydrogen production. The technique, published in Nature Communications, can operate without electricity or purified water, allowing for scalability in remote and coastal areas.
Liquid gallium, which melts just above room temperature, reacts with water under light to release hydrogen while oxidizing to galliumoxyhydroxide. This process can achieve 12.9% efficiency and is circular, enabling gallium to be reused.
Ongoing work includes testing a mid-scale reactor, which could benefit countries like Australia and parts of Africa and Southeast Asia, as well as the Netherlands due to its proximity to the North Sea. Hydrogen is critical for various sectors, including transport, energy storage, and agriculture, and this method could lead to a practical and sustainable route for its production.
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