Making hydrogen out of seawater – no desalination required

A cheaper and more energy-efficient way to make hydrogen directly from seawater.

Researchers at RMIT University have developed a cheaper, energy-efficient way to produce green hydrogen directly from seawater, eliminating the need for desalination and associated costs, energy consumption, and carbon emissions. The new method uses a special type of catalyst that takes very little energy to run and can be produced at an industrial scale. The next step in the research is the development of a prototype electrolyser that combines a series of catalysts to produce large quantities of hydrogen.

Hydrogen is a promising alternative to fossil fuels, but its large-scale production using freshwater puts a strain on limited freshwater reserves. Seawater, which is an unlimited source, is a possible alternative, but its salt-rich nature poses challenges due to corrosion and competing reactions, and the associated cost, energy consumption, and carbon emissions of desalination.

Researchers at RMIT University have developed a new, cheaper, and energy-efficient way of producing green hydrogen directly from seawater. This method splits seawater directly into hydrogen and oxygen, eliminating the need for desalination and its associated costs, energy consumption, and carbon emissions.

The RMIT researchers have developed a highly efficient, stable catalyst that is specifically designed to work with seawater. Unlike other experimental catalysts, this new catalyst is relatively easy to produce at large scale, making it readily synthesizable at industrial scales.

The researchers say their technology has the potential to significantly reduce the cost of electrolysers, making it competitive with fossil fuel-sourced hydrogen. The next step in their research is the development of a prototype electrolyser that combines a series of catalysts to produce large quantities of hydrogen. They are also working with industry partners to develop this technology further.

Dr. Nasir Mahmood, the lead researcher, said, "Our method to produce hydrogen straight from seawater is simple, scalable, and far more cost-effective than any green hydrogen approach currently in the market. With further development, we hope this could advance the establishment of a thriving green hydrogen industry in Australia." This new technology has immense potential in helping to make green hydrogen a truly sustainable and feasible source of clean energy for the future.