Scalable Device Uses Solar Power to Produce Green Hydrogen

23 Jun 2025 CW Team

Led by Dr Ashutosh K. Singh, the research team engineered a silicon-based photoanode using an innovative n-i-p heterojunction architecture—a layered structure composed of n-type titanium dioxide (TiO₂), intrinsic silicon, and p-type nickel oxide (NiO). This configuration enhances charge separation and transport, ensuring more efficient solar-to-hydrogen conversion. The materials were deposited using magnetron sputtering, an industry-friendly, scalable process that guarantees high precision.

The device demonstrated a surface photovoltage of 600 millivolts and a low onset potential of approximately 0.11 VRHE, making it highly efficient under solar illumination. Notably, the system showed exceptional stability, functioning continuously for over 10 hours in alkaline conditions with only a 4 per cent drop in performance—a rare accomplishment in silicon-based photoelectrochemical systems.

What makes this development particularly promising is its combination of high efficiency, low energy input, cost-effective materials, and durability. The team also demonstrated large-scale potential, with a 25 square centimetre photoanode delivering consistent results in solar-driven water splitting.

“This device not only enhances performance but is also scalable for large-scale production,” said Dr Singh, adding that the achievement brings India a step closer to affordable solar-to-hydrogen energy systems.

The research, published in the Journal of Materials Chemistry A by the Royal Society of Chemistry, could play a pivotal role in India’s clean energy transition. With further development, this technology may support hydrogen-based power systems for homes, vehicles, and industries, all sustainably powered by the sun.

In a significant advancement for sustainable energy, scientists at the Centre for Nano and Soft Matter Sciences (CeNS) in Bengaluru have developed a next-generation device capable of producing green hydrogen using only solar energy and earth-abundant materials. The breakthrough offers a scalable and efficient solution for hydrogen production without relying on fossil fuels or costly inputs.Led by Dr Ashutosh K. Singh, the research team engineered a silicon-based photoanode using an innovative n-i-p heterojunction architecture—a layered structure composed of n-type titanium dioxide (TiO₂), intrinsic silicon, and p-type nickel oxide (NiO). This configuration enhances charge separation and transport, ensuring more efficient solar-to-hydrogen conversion. The materials were deposited using magnetron sputtering, an industry-friendly, scalable process that guarantees high precision.The device demonstrated a surface photovoltage of 600 millivolts and a low onset potential of approximately 0.11 VRHE, making it highly efficient under solar illumination. Notably, the system showed exceptional stability, functioning continuously for over 10 hours in alkaline conditions with only a 4 per cent drop in performance—a rare accomplishment in silicon-based photoelectrochemical systems.What makes this development particularly promising is its combination of high efficiency, low energy input, cost-effective materials, and durability. The team also demonstrated large-scale potential, with a 25 square centimetre photoanode delivering consistent results in solar-driven water splitting.“This device not only enhances performance but is also scalable for large-scale production,” said Dr Singh, adding that the achievement brings India a step closer to affordable solar-to-hydrogen energy systems.The research, published in the Journal of Materials Chemistry A by the Royal Society of Chemistry, could play a pivotal role in India’s clean energy transition. With further development, this technology may support hydrogen-based power systems for homes, vehicles, and industries, all sustainably powered by the sun.

Infrastructure Transport

01 Jun 2026

MMRDA advances 250 m on Orange Gate–Marine Drive tunnel

The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has completed 250 m of underground tunnelling for the Orange Gate–Marine Drive Urban Road Tunnel using India’s largest slurry shield tunnel boring machine (TBM) deployed for an urban road project.The project involves twin tunnels extending over 7 km beneath critical transport corridors, including Central Railway, Western Railway and Metro Line 3. The work requires high-precision engineering to navigate densely developed urban infrastructure.Once completed, the tunnel is expected to reduce travel time between Orange Gate and Marin..

Infrastructure Urban

01 Jun 2026

Hindustan Zinc Pays Rs 188.46 Billion in FY26

Hindustan Zinc contributed Rs 188.46 billion to the public exchequer in FY 2025-26, according to its 9th Tax Transparency Report. The contribution, equivalent to 46 per cent of the company’s revenue, included direct and indirect taxes, government royalties, dividends to the Government of India, withholding taxes and other statutory levies.The company’s five-year cumulative contribution to the exchequer stood at Rs 915.72 billion. In FY26, Hindustan Zinc reported revenue of Rs 408.44 billion, EBITDA of Rs 221.62 billion and profit after tax of Rs 138.32 billion. It also achieved its highest..

Infrastructure Urban

01 Jun 2026

World of Concrete India 2026 Opens in Mumbai

Informa Markets in India will host the 12th edition of World of Concrete India 2026 from 3–5 June 2026 at the Bombay Exhibition Centre, Mumbai. The specialised B2B exhibition will bring together manufacturers, suppliers, contractors, developers, architects, consultants, infrastructure companies, project leaders and government stakeholders.The event is expected to feature over 350 brands and more than 18,000 trade professionals. It will cover concrete and cement, dry mortar, precast technologies, formwork, construction chemicals, industrial and commercial flooring, scaffolding, safety solutio..