The researchers at the Centre for Nano and Soft Matter Sciences (CeNS) in Bengaluru have developed a new device that can produce green hydrogen using only solar energy. This new technology could help power homes, vehicles, and industries without using fossil fuels, which are harmful to the environment.

How the device works

The research team, led by Dr. Ashutosh K. Singh, created a special silicon-based photoanode using something called an n-i-p heterojunction architecture. This photoanode can split water into hydrogen and oxygen using sunlight and materials that are commonly found on Earth.

To build this device, the scientists used a method called magnetron sputtering. This process helps place the materials on the device very accurately, which improves how the device absorbs sunlight and moves electric charges. This helps produce more hydrogen efficiently.

Key features of the invention

  • High Efficiency: The device achieved a surface photovoltage of 600 mV and a low onset potential of 0.11 VRHE, which means it starts working with very little energy.
  • Long-Term Use: It worked non-stop for over 10 hours in an alkaline solution with only a small 4% drop in performance.
  • Scalable Design: A larger version (25 square centimetres) also gave excellent results, showing it can work at a big scale.

A step toward green future

This invention supports India’s National Green Hydrogen Mission, which aims to make the country cleaner and more energy-independent. The researchers believe this is a big step toward using solar energy to make hydrogen fuel.

“By selecting smart materials and combining them into a heterostructure, we have created a device that not only boosts performance but can also be produced on a large scale,” said Dr. Singh.

The study was published in the Journal of Materials Chemistry A, and the scientists believe that with more improvements, this solar device could be used in homes and factories across the country.

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