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Swiss scientist uses rust and water to store solar energy
Researchers at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne are currently exploring a technology that converts light energy into hydrogen, offering a promising solution for clean energy production. Unlike fossil fuels, hydrogen leaves no carbon footprint, making it an environmentally friendly alternative. This innovative approach relies on basic materials like water and metal oxides, including rust, or iron oxide.
Kevin Sivrula and his team are focusing on affordability and scalability by utilizing inexpensive metals and straightforward production processes. Their work, detailed in a recent article in *Nature Photonics*, highlights the ongoing development of experimental equipment. Although the concept of transforming solar power into hydrogen isn’t new—researchers have been studying it for over four decades—it remains a challenging yet highly promising field.
Back in the 1990s, Michael Grätzel from the same institute pioneered a PEC (photoelectrochemical) tandem solar cell. This invention, developed alongside a collaborator from the University of Geneva, aimed to generate hydrogen directly from water. Both Grätzel’s and Sivrula’s prototypes follow a similar principle: they integrate dye-sensitized solar cells with oxide semiconductors.
While the efficiency of today’s prototypes ranges from 1.4% to 3.6%, the team envisions significant improvements. Sivrula expressed optimism about achieving a 10% conversion rate in the near future, with costs kept under $80 per square meter. At this price point, he believes their method could rival conventional hydrogen production techniques, marking a major step toward sustainable energy solutions.
This advancement represents more than just scientific progress—it symbolizes a potential shift in how we harness and utilize renewable resources. As the world grapples with climate change and energy demands, innovations like these offer hope for cleaner, more efficient energy systems.