Chinese scientists have made a significant breakthrough towards affordable green hydrogen: researchers from Hainan University and Ningbo Institute of Materials Science and Technology have developed a technology for the direct electrolysis of seawater, which simultaneously produces hydrogen and extracts magnesium hydroxide. The findings were published in the journal Nature Communications on December 12.
The main challenge of conventional seawater electrolysis is the deposition of magnesium on the electrodes, rapidly leading to their deterioration. This new development addresses this issue through the use of non-stick platinum electrodes with iodine additives: the magnesium remains in the solution, keeping the electrodes clean. The prototype has already demonstrated stability, operating for more than 5,000 hours. The technology allows the simultaneous production of high-purity hydrogen and magnesium hydroxide at room temperature.
According to experimental data, 1 kg of hydrogen yields approximately 15 kg of magnesium hydroxide, the value of which almost fully offsets the costs of hydrogen production. Tian Xinglong, head of the team for marine clean energy, says this opens the door to large-scale and inexpensive production of green hydrogen, which could be a key resource for the clean energy future.
Recent Developments in Hydrogen Technology
The field of green hydrogen has been receiving increasing attention as countries strive to meet carbon neutrality goals. Recent advancements include improved catalysts and more efficient electrolyzers that reduce the overall costs and increase the production rate of green hydrogen. These innovations are crucial as industries and governments look for sustainable solutions to reduce carbon emissions and transition to clean energy.
Impact on Future Energy Landscape
As the world accelerates towards renewable energy sources, innovations like the one developed by Chinese scientists could play a pivotal role. Green hydrogen’s potential as a clean energy source is vast, and with further research and development, it might soon become a viable alternative to fossil fuels. This aligns with global efforts to reduce reliance on carbon-heavy energy sources and opens new avenues for technological and economic growth in sustainable energy sectors.
