A photo-electrochemical cell with an efficiency greater than 20%.
July 21, 2023
Rice University researchers converted sunlight into hydrogen with an efficiency of 20.8%. To achieve this brilliant result, they employed a device that combines next-generation halide perovskite semiconductors and electrocatalysts.
Previous photo-electrochemical cell prototypes were characterized by low efficiencies and high costs. This new photo-electrochemical cell, built in the laboratory of chemical and biomolecular engineer Aditya Mohite, in addition to being more efficient, uses a very cheap semiconductor material: halide perovskite, which however is extremely unstable in water. The solution found was the creation of an anti-corrosion barrier that isolates the semiconductor from the water and allows the transfer of electrons. To allow both functions, this barrier is formed by two layers: one to block water and one to create a good electrical contact between the perovskite layers and the protective layer.
Source: Rice University
European grant of 20 M€ for the HOPE project
June 28, 2023
The HOPE (Hydrogen Offshore Production for Europe) project was proposed by a consortium of 9 partners from 6 different European countries. The French company Lhyfe is the coordinating company. The other partners are CEA and ERM-Element Energy (France), Plug and Strohm (Netherlands), EDP NEW (Portugal), POM West-Vlaanderen, Alfa Laval (Denmark) and DWR eco (Germany).
In 2022 Lhyfe has already completed Sealhyfe, the world's first pilot plant for the production of offshore hydrogen powered by a 1 MW floating wind turbine.
With HOPE we move to 10 MW with a production of up to four tons per day of green hydrogen that will be transferred to the ground via a medium pressure gas pipeline. Completion of the project is scheduled for 2026.
HOPE will be positioned in front of the port of Ostend (Belgium) and will use water drawn from the North Sea, obviously desalinated and purified upstream of the electrolysis.
Source: Lhyfe
A large-scale SNG production project by TotalEnergies and Tree Energy Solutions.
Maggio 31, 2023
TotalEnergies and Tree Energy Solutions collaborate on the development of a large-scale substitute of natural gas (SNG) production unit in the United States.
The plant will be managed by TotalEnergies and will have a size between 100 and 200 kton/year.
SNG is a synthetic gas produced from renewable hydrogen and CO2 and can be distributed and used exactly like natural gas without the need for any modifications. The renewable hydrogen will be generated via a 1 GW electrolyser powered by approximately 2 GW of wind and solar energy supplied through long-term power purchase agreements.
Source: TotalEnergies
First LH2 fuelled car to race
May 29, 2023
Toyota Motor Corporation has been competing since May 2021 with a GR Corolla H2 Concept powered by gaseous hydrogen.
Now it takes a big step forward with the on-board accumulation of liquid hydrogen which allows refuelling in the pits as with traditional cars. In fact, the refuelling area is much smaller because much of the equipment needed for gaseous hydrogen is no longer required. Furthermore, refuelling is decidedly faster and, for the same amount of time, a double quantity of hydrogen is supplied.
Obviously it was necessary to modify the fuel system, but the engine remained the same used for gaseous hydrogen.
The first race of this new model was the 24 hours of Super Taikyu Fuji in recent days.
Source: Toyota
A new milestone has been achieved in the decarbonisation of the steel industry.
May 29, 2023
In HBZX High Tech Plant in Xuan Hua, a mixture of more than 60% hydrogen has been successfully used in the production process of DRI (Direct Reduced Iron).
This plant is now the greenest industrial DRI plant in the world. It produces only 250 kg of carbon dioxide per ton of DRI. In addition, half of this gas will be reused in downstream processes (carbon capture and use or CCU / CCS storage) thus halving the net emission.
The direct reduction technology used is ENERGIRON®, jointly developed by Tenova and Gruppo Danieli. This technology allows the use of hydrogen as a reducing agent up to 100%.
Source: Tenova
Hydrogen Small mobility & Engine technology
May 18, 2023
Yamaha Motor, Honda Motor, Kawasaki Motors and Suzuki Motor have received approval from the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry to establish a technology research association named HySE (Hydrogen Small mobility & Engine technology) for the development of hydrogen-powered internal combustion engines intended for motorcycles, mini-vehicles, small boats, drones, etc.
A new nickel-based electrocatalyst to produce hydrogen from water.
May 9, 2023
Researchers at the University of Texas at El Paso have proposed a low-cost nickel-based material to make water electrolysis cheaper and more efficient.
Current techniques for splitting low-temperature water rely heavily on platinum as a catalyst, a very expensive material. This fact collides with the growing demand for the installation of electrolysers to produce green hydrogen.
Nickel is an abundant metal on Earth and much cheaper than platinum, but not as effective for low-temperature electrolysis.
The solution devised by the researchers was to enlarge the surface by designing a nanoscale structure.
Source: UTEP