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EPFL solar hydrogen system co-generates heat and oxygen

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EPFL researchers have built a pilot-scale solar reactor that produces usable heat and oxygen, in addition to generating hydrogen with unprecedented efficiency for its size. This is the first system-level demonstration of solar hydrogen generation. Holmes-Gentle et al.

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Cambridge researchers develop standalone device that makes formic acid from sunlight, CO2 and water

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Researchers at the University of Cambridge, with colleagues at the University of Tokyo, have developed a standalone device that converts sunlight, carbon dioxide and water into formic acid, a carbon-neutral fuel, without requiring any additional components or electricity. Qian Wang et al. Nature Energy doi: 10.1038/s41560-020-0678-6.

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Researchers propose testing standards for particulate photocatalysts in solar fuel production

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Utilization of renewable solar energy is crucial for addressing the global energy and environmental concerns and achieving sustainable development. In this regard, photocatalytic water splitting has attracted significant interest as a cost-effective means to convert sustainable solar energy into valuable chemicals. Credit: DICP.

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Study finds direct seawater splitting has substantial drawbacks to conventional water splitting, offers almost no advantage

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A study by a team of researchers from Technische Universität Berlin (TUB) and Fritz-Haber-Institut der Max-Planck-Gesellschaft has found that direct seawater splitting for hydrogen production has substantial drawbacks compared to conventional water splitting and offers almost no advantage. Additionally, H 2 O is needed for water splitting.

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Toyota and DIFFER partner on direct solar production of hydrogen from humid air, rather than water

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The Dutch Institute for Fundamental Energy Research ( DIFFER ) is partnering with Toyota Motor Europe (TME) to develop a device that absorbs water vapor, and splits it into hydrogen and oxygen directly using solar energy. In this project, DIFFER and TME are exploring an innovative way to produce hydrogen directly out of humid air.

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Photocatalytic optical fibers convert water into hydrogen

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Researchers at the University of Southampton have transformed optical fibers into photocatalytic microreactors that convert water into hydrogen fuel using solar energy. Alongside hydrogen generation from water, the multi-disciplinary research team is investigating photochemical conversion of carbon dioxide into synthetic fuel.

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Sparc Hydrogen to test photocatalytic water splitting (PWS) reactor at CSIRO

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The Sparc Green Hydrogen process combines concentrated solar (CS) with photocatalytic water splitting. The company’s key development allows for reduced photocatalyst use and integration with existing concentrated solar systems. The facility is home to Australia’s largest solar thermal research hub.

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