A research team at the Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST) has unveiled a cutting-edge green hydrogen production technology harnessing solar energy.

Led by Professors Lee Jae-sung, Jang Ji-wook, Seok Sang-il, and Lim Han-kwon, the team achieved remarkable efficiency, durability, and scalability, addressing key challenges associated with perovskite solar cells.

The primary objective of this research is to advance green hydrogen production using solar energy, tapping into the Earth’s most abundant renewable resource. The team aimed to overcome limitations associated with perovskite solar cells, particularly their low stability against UV rays and moisture, and to significantly scale up the technology for practical applications.

The research team focused on perovskite solar cells due to their efficiency and cost-effectiveness. To enhance stability, formamidinium was used as a cation instead of the conventional methylammonium. Addressing water exposure during electrolysis, the contact surface was completely sealed with nickel foil. To scale up the photoelectrode, a module-based design was implemented, connecting small photoelectrodes in a consistent size, achieving large-area photoelectrodes.

The scalability and efficiency achieved by UNIST’s technology are groundbreaking. With a solar-to-hydrogen conversion efficiency exceeding 10%, the technology meets the minimum requirement for commercialization. This efficiency level sets a world record for large-area photoelectrodes, paving the way for practical applications and widespread adoption of solar-based green hydrogen technology.

The lead author of the study, Dr. Dharmesh Hansora, expressed optimism about the commercialization potential of the technology. With a focus on on-site validation for green hydrogen production, the team anticipates commercial viability before 2030. This achievement marks a significant step towards realizing a sustainable and efficient solar-based green hydrogen production method.