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Hydrogen production from the air

Author

Listed:
  • Jining Guo

    (The University of Melbourne)

  • Yuecheng Zhang

    (The University of Melbourne)

  • Ali Zavabeti

    (The University of Melbourne)

  • Kaifei Chen

    (The University of Melbourne)

  • Yalou Guo

    (The University of Melbourne)

  • Guoping Hu

    (The University of Melbourne
    Chinese Academy of Sciences)

  • Xiaolei Fan

    (The University of Manchester
    Nottingham Ningbo China Beacons of Excellence Research and Innovation Institute)

  • Gang Kevin Li

    (The University of Melbourne)

Abstract

Green hydrogen produced by water splitting using renewable energy is the most promising energy carrier of the low-carbon economy. However, the geographic mismatch between renewables distribution and freshwater availability poses a significant challenge to its production. Here, we demonstrate a method of direct hydrogen production from the air, namely, in situ capture of freshwater from the atmosphere using hygroscopic electrolyte and electrolysis powered by solar or wind with a current density up to 574 mA cm−2. A prototype of such has been established and operated for 12 consecutive days with a stable performance at a Faradaic efficiency around 95%. This so-called direct air electrolysis (DAE) module can work under a bone-dry environment with a relative humidity of 4%, overcoming water supply issues and producing green hydrogen sustainably with minimal impact to the environment. The DAE modules can be easily scaled to provide hydrogen to remote, (semi-) arid, and scattered areas.

Suggested Citation

  • Jining Guo & Yuecheng Zhang & Ali Zavabeti & Kaifei Chen & Yalou Guo & Guoping Hu & Xiaolei Fan & Gang Kevin Li, 2022. "Hydrogen production from the air," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 13(1), pages 1-9, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:13:y:2022:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-022-32652-y
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-32652-y
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    References listed on IDEAS

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