Scientists unlock clean hydrogen from seawater—no desal needed
Scientists from the University of Sharjah have developed a multilayer electrode that enables hydrogen production from seawater without the need for desalination. This groundbreaking discovery could revolutionize clean energy production in coastal regions.
Researchers at the University of Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates have created a new technology allowing the industrial-scale production of hydrogen from seawater. "We have developed an innovative multilayer electrode that can extract hydrogen directly from seawater efficiently and sustainably," said Dr. Tanveer Ul Haq, the lead author of the study. Traditional hydrogen production methods require clean water, which is problematic in many parts of the world.
How does the new technology work?
This technology can significantly reduce hydrogen production costs and increase the availability of clean energy in areas with limited freshwater resources. The research team's findings were published in the journal "Small".
The new electrode developed by the research team creates a protective and reactive microenvironment that enhances efficiency and prevents damage. According to the researchers, the electrode operates in real seawater, achieving a current density of 6.45 A/square inch at an overpotential of 420 mV, without producing hypochlorite and with excellent operational stability for 300 hours. "This technology bypasses costly desalination and complex water purification, making green hydrogen production cheaper and more accessible," said co-author Mourad Smari, a research fellow at the Institute of Sciences and Engineering at the University of Sharjah.
What are the benefits of the new technology?
This technology eliminates the need for expensive desalination installations, making green hydrogen production cheaper and more accessible. "It’s clean hydrogen produced from the sea," emphasized research team member Dr. Ul Haq. The system generates hydrogen with low energy input, which could revolutionize hydrogen production in coastal regions. This is particularly impactful for countries like the United Arab Emirates, where freshwater resources are limited but sunlight and seawater are abundant.
This technology has already attracted interest from clean energy startups and regional innovation centers. Scientists now plan to move from lab tests to pilot tests to verify the technology in real outdoor conditions.
