+
Scalable Device Uses Solar Power to Produce Green Hydrogen
POWER & RENEWABLE ENERGY

Scalable Device Uses Solar Power to Produce Green Hydrogen

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.

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.

Next Story
Infrastructure Energy

Reliable Energy Storage Vital for 24/7 Renewable Power: TKIL

Reliable, scalable, and efficient energy storage systems are essential to ensuring uninterrupted renewable energy supply, said engineering firm TKIL Industries at the India Energy Storage Week (IESW) 2025.India aims to achieve 500 GW of renewable energy capacity within the next five years.Speaking at IESW, organised by the India Energy Storage Alliance (IESA), Vivek Bhatia, Managing Director and CEO of TKIL Industries, emphasised that the country’s energy sector is experiencing a major transformation. This shift is being driven by innovations in storage technology, aimed at improving grid re..

Next Story
Infrastructure Energy

IIT Madras, Hyundai Launch £17m Hydrogen Research Centre

The Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) and Hyundai Motor India Ltd (HMIL) have announced the establishment of the Hyundai HTWO Innovation Centre, a cutting-edge hydrogen research facility set to begin operations by 2026.The Rs 180 crore (approx. £17 million or USD 21.5 million) project will be located at IIT Madras' Discovery Campus in Thaiyur, near Chennai. Of the total, Rs 100 crore (approx. £9.4 million) has been committed by HMIL and its philanthropic arm, Hyundai Motor India Foundation (HMIF), with support from the Government of Tamil Nadu and its investment promotion ag..

Next Story
Infrastructure Energy

India’s Hydrogen Demand to Hit 8.8 MTPA by 2032: IESA Report

India’s hydrogen demand is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3 per cent, reaching 8.8 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) by 2032, according to a report released by the India Energy Storage Alliance (IESA).Unveiled on the first day of the India Energy Storage Week (IESW) 2025, the report points out a gap between ambitious project announcements and actual progress. While green hydrogen (GH₂) projects totalling 9.2 MTPA have been announced, only a limited number have reached Final Investment Decision (FID) or secured long-term domestic or international offtake agreemen..

Advertisement

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?