+
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
Real Estate

Heena Lalwani Buys Rs 1.13 Billion Juhu Apartment

Heena Lalwani, promoter of Aatman Innovations Private Limited, has purchased a luxury apartment worth Rs 1.13 billion in Mumbai’s upscale Juhu locality, according to property registration documents accessed by Zapkey.com.The 9,862 sq ft apartment, located on the 10th floor of Lodha Developers’ Avalon Tower, was acquired at Rs 115,000 per sq ft and comes with five car parking spaces. The deal, registered on 18 August 2025, also included the payment of Rs 68 million in stamp duty and a Rs 30,000 registration fee.Lodha Developers did not respond to queries regarding the transaction, while the..

Next Story
Real Estate

Godrej Buys KPHB Land for Rs 7 Billion in E-Auction

An acre of prime land in Kukatpally Housing Board (KPHB), Hyderabad, was auctioned for Rs 7 billion, with the Telangana Housing Board generating Rs 5.47 billion from the sale of 7.8 acres through e-auction on 20 August 2025.The auction notification was issued last month, attracting bids from Godrej Properties, Aurobindo Realty, Prestige Estates, and Ashoka Builders, according to Board vice-chairman V.P. Gautham. With an offset price of Rs 4 billion per acre, the three-hour auction saw 46 bid increases, before Godrej Properties acquired the land.Revenue generated from the auction will be utilis..

Next Story
Real Estate

HMDA to Auction 93 Prime Plots in September

The Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA) is preparing to conduct a three-day auction of prime open plots across Hyderabad, Rangareddy, and Medchal-Malkajgiri districts this September.According to official reports, the e-auction will take place on 17, 18, and 19 September, offering 93 plots. Of these, 70 are located in the Bachupally HMDA layout, with the remainder spread across Turkayamjal, Kokapet, Poppalguda, Chandanagar, Bairagiguda, Gandi Maisamma, Suraram, Medipally, and Bachupally village.The highest upset price has been fixed at Rs 175,000 per square yard for a land parce..

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?