In a breakthrough that could supercharge India’s clean energy ambitions, researchers at Bengaluru’s Centre for Nano and Soft Matter Sciences (CeNS) have developed a solar-driven device that produces green hydrogen directly from water—no electricity required.
Breaking away from conventional systems that rely on photovoltaic panels powering separate electrolyzers, the CeNS team has built a photoelectrochemical (PEC) system where sunlight alone triggers the water-splitting process. The result is a more streamlined, energy-efficient and potentially lower-cost route to hydrogen generation.
At the core of the innovation is a silicon-based photoanode engineered with layers of titanium dioxide, intrinsic silicon and nickel oxide. This smart n-i-p heterojunction stack boosts light absorption, sharpens charge separation and ensures smoother charge transport. Fabricated using magnetron sputtering—a thin-film technique prized for its precision—the device is designed for both stability and scalability.
Early tests have been promising. The prototype clocked a surface photovoltage of 600 millivolts and an onset potential of just 0.11 volts versus the reversible hydrogen electrode, reflecting impressive energy efficiency. It ran continuously for over 10 hours under simulated sunlight with just a minor performance dip, according to ET EnergyWorld.
Beyond the lab, the technology is aligned with India’s National Green Hydrogen Mission and the push for energy independence under Aatmanirbhar Bharat. By tapping sunlight and widely available materialsand skipping costly rare-earth catalysts or high-pressure systems, the device could pave the way for localized, carbon-neutral hydrogen hubs and cut India’s reliance on imported fuel.
The researchers are now working on scaling the system, forging industry partnerships and testing the device in diverse weather conditions across India. If successful, this could unlock round-the-clock renewable energy solutions especially in sectors where direct electrification hits a wall bringing green hydrogen closer to the mainstream.
Source:
Disclaimer
You’re about to be redirected to a third-party website. Please note that we do not control or endorse the content, security or privacy practices of external sites.
Continue at your own discretion and review the destination’s terms and privacy policy. By continuing, you accept these terms
