Together with our partners at Laser Line Scanning, we have been able to produce hydrogen with our prototype of photocatalytic water splitting. In the future, we aim to further develop the photocatalytic production of hydrogen.
The benefits of this innovative approach to the production of hydrogen are:
Energy Efficiency: Laser-based photocatalysis can potentially be more energy-efficient than traditional electrolysis. The latter process requires an external electrical power source to drive the reaction, often leading to substantial energy losses. In contrast, laser-based photocatalysis directly utilizes light energy to excite the photocatalyst and trigger the water-splitting reaction, which could lead to higher overall energy efficiency.
No Corrosion: Conventional electrolysis of seawater is problematic due to the corrosion of the electrodes caused by the chloride ions present. This can decrease the lifespan of the electrolysis equipment. In contrast, a well-designed photocatalysis system can potentially avoid these corrosion issues, as the reaction can occur at the surface of the photocatalyst without the need for metallic electrodes to be in direct contact with the seawater. This could significantly improve the durability and lifespan of the system. Renewable Energy Integration: Photocatalysis using laser technology can be integrated with renewable energy sources, such as solar or wind power, to provide the energy for the laser. This makes the overall process more sustainable and reduces the carbon footprint associated with hydrogen production.
Potential for Scalability: While the technology is still in early stages of development, the potential for scalability is high. Lasers can be designed and optimized for specific reactions, allowing for efficient use of energy, and the use of seawater eliminates the need for large amounts of freshwater.