Researchers from the University of Iowa are collaborating with HyperSolar, a startup company focused on commercialising low-cost renewable hydrogen, to produce clean energy from water and sunlight. HyperSolar scientists and collaborators from the University of Iowa’s Optical Science and Technology Center are devising an eco-friendly and cost-effective method to produce hydrogen, taking inspiration from plants. So far, the scientists have developed a small electrochemical device, powered by solar energy. This device can be used in different types of water, including wastewater and seawater. When sunlight flows through the water and reaches the solar device, the photon energy from sunlight changes the water into hydrogen, where it is stored similar to a battery. Later, when the hydrogen is changed back into water, the energy is produced.
