Scientists in Sweden have devised an innovative method to produce hydrogen energy with greater efficiency, addressing safety concerns associated with conventional processes. Developed at KTH Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm, this new technique separates water into oxygen and hydrogen gases separately, mitigating the risk of hazardous explosions.
Traditional electrolysis methods split water molecules into oxygen and hydrogen simultaneously using an electric current. However, this approach poses safety risks due to the potential mixing of gases within the same cell, necessitating membrane barriers for separation.
Esteban Toledo, a Ph.D. student at KTH, and Joydeep Dutta, professor of applied physics, co-authored the paper published in Science Advances, detailing this breakthrough. They emphasize that the new method eliminates the risk of gas mixing, thereby enhancing safety and obviating the need for rare Earth metals.
The patented system developed by the researchers has led to the formation of Caplyzer AB, a company aimed at commercializing the technology.
Dutta highlights the remarkable 99 percent Faradaic efficiency of hydrogen gas production achieved through this method. Additionally, extensive lab tests have shown no discernible electrode degradation, indicating its suitability for commercial applications.
Conventional water electrolysis inherently produces oxygen alongside hydrogen. In alkaline electrolyzers, electrodes submerged in alkaline water generate hydrogen and oxygen when an electric current is applied. However, the presence of ion-permeable barriers introduces resistance and increases the risk of explosive gas mixtures.
To address these challenges, the Swedish researchers reimagined the electrolysis process. By incorporating a supercapacitive electrode made from carbon, hydrogen and oxygen production are separated. This electrode stores and releases ions alternately, ensuring that the gases are generated independently.
Toledo explains that this new approach enables a more reliable form of green energy production, particularly when coupled with intermittent energy sources like solar or wind power. By eliminating the risk of gas mixing, the system can operate over a wider range of input power, facilitating integration with renewable energy systems.
Dutta likens the process to a rechargeable battery producing hydrogen, wherein one electrode facilitates both oxygen and hydrogen evolution, effectively completing the energy circuit.