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Chinese Solar-Powered System Generates Green Hydrogen Directly from Air Humidity, Without Purified Water, Operating Even in 20% Humidity Conditions.
Researchers in China have developed a system that could change the course of green hydrogen production. The technology, led by Professor Yin Huajie from the Hefei Institute of Physical Sciences at the Chinese Academy of Sciences, uses solar energy and air humidity to produce hydrogen continuously and cleanly.
The project eliminates the dependence on purified water, a crucial resource in current methods but hard to access in arid regions.
Hydrogen Without Relying on Purified Water
Hydrogen is seen as one of the most promising fuels for the energy transition. It can power industries, vehicles, and energy systems with low carbon emissions.
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However, large-scale production faces a challenge. Most technologies require high-purity water, a requirement that limits use in water-scarce areas.
The new Chinese system tackles this problem innovatively: instead of relying on external water, it collects humidity directly from the atmosphere. Thus, it can produce clean fuel even in dry locations.
How the System Works
The team combined two technologies. First, atmospheric water harvesting (AWH), which captures water molecules from the air using a hierarchically porous carbon material. This material, obtained through synthesis and calcination, is treated to enhance its absorption capacity.
Next, solar heat evaporates the collected water and directs it to a customized electrolyzer. This electrolyzer operates with a proton exchange membrane (PEMWE), recognized for its high efficiency and ability to generate pure hydrogen.
The cycle repeats itself in a self-sustaining manner: sunlight powers the process, water comes from the air, and the result is clean hydrogen.
Laboratory and Field Results
The tests showed that the system maintains performance even at low humidity. At just 20% relative humidity, the process remained stable in water collection and evaporation.
When the humidity level rose to 40%, the production rate reached nearly 300 milliliters of hydrogen per hour. Furthermore, the system demonstrated excellent cycle stability, operating for long periods without loss of efficiency.
Field tests reinforced the results. The equipment was able to generate green hydrogen continuously using only solar energy, with no carbon emissions or need for external electricity.
Outlook for Arid Regions
The research points to a direct application in areas with limited water availability. By utilizing only sunlight and air humidity, the system can provide clean and reliable fuel in remote areas, deserts, and arid regions.
The study received support from the National Natural Science Foundation of China and the Collaborative Innovation Program of the Hefei Science Center.
The researchers believe that this solution could open new pathways for global hydrogen production by reducing dependence on water and electricity.
The findings were published in the journal Advanced Materials.
Very good and innovative solution
O problema é q a umidade relativa do ar em todo o planeta já tá parecida c/regiões desérticas c/ altos índices de gases de elefeito estufa-Gee.
Agora, se retirarem o pouco q ainda testa na atmosfera, será o fim de tudo.
Até no Brasil, a região amazônica, que é pulmão do mundo, está se ardendo em fogo e ninguém toma uma atitude. Isto acontece em todos os nossos biomas, princioalmente os cerrados, q são a CAIXA D’ÁGUA do continente sul-americano, e o nordeste brasileiro, q tá se tornando um grande deserto.
Esta COP-30 é só uma falácia, igual a ONU. Só serve para os grandes ganharem dinheiro e poucos resultados. Vamos ver este país ardendo em fogo em plena realização da mesma.
Essa narrativa está completamente desconectada da realidade. Moro no Amazonas e a umidade relativa aqui é de 80%.
Notei que você não entende o processo da eletrólise da água trata-se de um processo infinito pois quando o hidrogênio é queimado torna-se água novamente. Essa água evapora e pode ser usada novamente num ciclo infinito.
É preciso ter conhecimento para criticar, tem uma grande quantidade de informação disponível na ponta dos dedos e não utiliza. Críticas vazias só aumentam a desinformação.