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CePeCAM researchers are at the forefront of creating a clean fuel that can transform the global energy sector and drive sustainability.
The future of sustainable energy is closer than we imagine, and one of the institutions that is leading this movement is PUC-Rio. Researchers from the Center for Advanced Materials Research and Characterization (CePeCAM), of the Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering (Deqm), are developing an innovative method to produce green hydrogen, a clean fuel that could revolutionize the energy sector.
What is green hydrogen and why is it so important?
Green hydrogen is produced using processes that do not generate carbon emissions and is one of the most promising alternatives for the global energy transition. Unlike other types of hydrogen, such as gray and blue, green hydrogen is completely sustainable, contributing to the reduction of greenhouse gases and the fight against climate change.
In the case of PUC-Rio research, the fuel is generated through photocatalytic dissociation of water, a process that uses light, preferably sunlight, to break down water molecules and release oxygen and hydrogen. This approach eliminates the need for fossil fuels or harmful chemicals, making the even more ecological method.
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Technological innovation led by PUC-Rio
The highlight of the work carried out at PUC-Rio is the use of a unique nanomaterial, based on titanium dioxide (TiO2) decorated with nickel oxide (NiO) nanoclusters. According to Professor Bojan Marinkovic, project coordinator, this is the first time that this type of photocatalyst has been used in a green hydrogen generation system.
“Photocatalytic generation of green hydrogen is an innovative process that eliminates or significantly reduces CO2 emissions,” explains Marinkovic. In addition to being efficient, the method is safe, as it does not use chemicals that could harm the environment or humans.
The initial results of this research have already been published in the International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, one of the most renowned journals in the sustainable energy field. This reinforces the relevance of the work developed by the CePeCAM team, placing PUC-Rio as one of the centers of excellence in clean fuel research.
How does the green hydrogen generation process work?
The method developed by researchers at PUC-Rio uses light to activate nanometric photocatalysts. These materials act as “facilitators,” helping to break down water molecules into oxygen and hydrogen. Sunlight, being abundant and renewable, is the main source of energy in this process, making it highly sustainable.
Furthermore, the developed nanomaterial is capable of increasing the efficiency of the reaction, which could open doors for industrial and commercial applications in the future. The expectation is that the method will be scaled up to pilot plants, allowing its integration into large-scale energy processes.
Collaborations and funding
The research has the support of important Brazilian institutions, such as CNPq, CAPES and FAPERJ, in addition to international partnerships. One of the highlights is the collaboration with Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (CPU), in Spain, represented by Professor Jordi Llorca, who also actively participates in the project.
In addition to Marinkovic, other researchers from PUC-Rio play crucial roles in the initiative, such as Dr. Emanuel Pessanha, whose thesis was directly related to the project, and Dr. Khrissy Medeiros, who is part of the CePeCAM team. This multidisciplinary partnership is essential for the development of innovative and effective solutions.
The future of green hydrogen at PUC-Rio
The CePeCAM team is currently testing new systems in the laboratory to make nanophotocatalysts even more efficient. These advances could enable large-scale production of green hydrogen, integrating it into industrial and energy processes in a viable and sustainable way.
The impact of this work goes beyond academia. The production of clean fuels like green hydrogen has the potential to transform entire sectors, from transportation to power generation, drastically reducing dependence on fossil fuels.
Why is this research so important?
PUC-Rio’s work is a clear example of how science and innovation can contribute to a more sustainable future. The production of green hydrogen is one of the most promising solutions to address the climate and energy challenges of the 21st century. In addition to reducing carbon emissions, this clean fuel can be integrated into a variety of applications, from vehicle engines to industrial plants.
With the support of renowned institutions and a team of committed researchers, PUC-Rio is helping to put Brazil on the global map of renewable energy research. The future of green hydrogen is being shaped now, and the university is a protagonist in this journey.
