15th February 2021 9:43 am 15th February 2021 9:43 am
Scientists at Sweden’s Uppsala University have developed a new type of polymer dot photocatalyst that enhances the production of green hydrogen.
The polymer dots in the black solution (inset image) can absorb more light, and show better photocatalytic properties, than the single-component polymer dots in the coloured solutions (Credit: P-Cat)
Photocatalysts can separate the hydrogen and oxygen components in water using sunlight, resulting in green hydrogen which can then be integrated into the energy system as a renewable power source.
Until now, these photocatalysts have generally been derived from metals, which can be expensive and in many cases toxic, jeopardising the technology’s green credentials.