Brazilian scientists innovate with a solar reactor to generate renewable hydrogen.
- REDAÇÃO H2RADAR
- Dec 8
- 1 min read
Researchers affiliated with the Center for Innovation in New Energies (CINE) announced the development of a prototype capable of producing low-carbon hydrogen using only sunlight, water, and inexpensive materials abundant in Brazil. The equipment, called a "photoelectrolyzer," was successfully tested both in the laboratory and outdoors—a promising advancement towards making clean energy generation viable in the country.
Photoelectrolyzers: a national solution for the sustainable production of H₂
The technology's key advantage lies in the use of an efficient photoanode based on hematite—an abundant iron oxide—modified with traces of aluminum and zirconium to ensure stability and performance. This photoanode captures sunlight and promotes the splitting of the water molecule, releasing hydrogen without the need for external electrical energy.
Tests demonstrated robustness: in the laboratory, the system operated for 120 continuous hours; outdoors, a prototype consisting of two photoelectrolyzers maintained the same efficiency, confirming the viability of the process under real-world conditions.
The next step in the research is to develop the photocathode, with the goal of building a complete system that uses only sunlight to generate hydrogen. The expectation is that this technology can supply industries with localized hydrogen demands, offering a clean, modular, and adaptable alternative.
