Hydrogen production from the air

Jining Guo, Yuecheng Zhang, Ali Zavabeti, Kaifei Chen, Yalou Guo, Guoping Hu (), Xiaolei Fan () and Gang Kevin Li ()
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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
Xiaolei Fan: The University of Manchester
Gang Kevin Li: The University of Melbourne

Nature Communications, 2022, vol. 13, issue 1, 1-9

Abstract: 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.

Date: 2022
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-32652-y

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