Researchers in Australia are exploring whether discarded plastic, sunlight and seawater could be combined to produce hydrogen with lower energy requirements.
Dr Yunqing Kang, from the University of Queensland, is developing nanomaterials that could enable plastic-derived molecules to replace the oxygen-producing reaction in conventional water-splitting processes.
The research also aims to overcome challenges associated with using seawater. Although seawater is abundant, its salts and impurities can damage catalysts and reduce their efficiency.
Kang is developing catalysts using more widely available materials, including iron, nickel and cobalt, rather than expensive precious metals.
His work has already produced two research papers examining seawater hydrogen production and the detection of plastic-derived molecules.
One newly developed material can detect extremely small concentrations of pollutants in water, including microplastics, by identifying their molecular fingerprints.
The longer-term goal is to create scalable, solar-powered systems capable of processing plastic waste and seawater simultaneously to produce hydrogen and other useful chemicals.
Kang said improving hydrogen production efficiency and cost could help support the transition away from fossil fuels, particularly in sectors that are difficult to electrify.
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