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Photocatalytic hydrogen production by splitting atmospheric water for simultaneous water harvesting and power generation

Author

Listed:
  • Qin, Chenglong
  • Ren, Tingting
  • Huang, Lu
  • Zhang, Xiantao
  • Gong, Yihan
  • Wang, Gongqing
  • Liu, Peng

Abstract

The photocatalytic hydrogen production technology that uses atmospheric water harvesting offers an environmentally friendly hydrogen solution for areas with scarce natural water resources. However, significant amounts of unused waste heat are generated during this process, reducing the general effectiveness of solar energy utilization. Here, a solar-driven hydrogen-water-electricity (SHWE) multi-generation hybrid system is designed to recover waste heat from the photocatalytic hydrogen production process, with the aim of improving solar energy efficiency and enabling the simultaneous production of freshwater and electricity. Under one solar intensity, the system produces 28.24 mmol m−2 h−1 of hydrogen, collects 37.04 g m−2 h−1 of freshwater, generates an output voltage of 65 mV, and delivers 69.04 mW m−2 of output power. In real outdoor environments, the system generates 146.16 mmol m−2·day−1 of hydrogen, and 43.87 g m−2·day−1 of freshwater, with an average output voltage of 53 mV. Furthermore, the system can regenerate during the night by absorbing atmospheric moisture. This research provides a promising solution for the further development and optimization of integrated systems for sustainable energy and resource generation.

Suggested Citation

  • Qin, Chenglong & Ren, Tingting & Huang, Lu & Zhang, Xiantao & Gong, Yihan & Wang, Gongqing & Liu, Peng, 2026. "Photocatalytic hydrogen production by splitting atmospheric water for simultaneous water harvesting and power generation," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 256(PE).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:renene:v:256:y:2026:i:pe:s0960148125019354
    DOI: 10.1016/j.renene.2025.124271
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    References listed on IDEAS

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