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Brazilian technology created by a man from Bahia uses sunlight and plant graphene to revolutionize the production of green hydrogen
An innovative reactor created in Brazil promises to transform how green hydrogen is produced. technology It was developed by Francislei Santos, a researcher at the Instituto Federal da Bahia (IFBA), Salvador Campus, and uses sunlight, plant graphene and low cost as its main differentiators.
National progress in hydrogen production
Green hydrogen (H2V) is a clean energy source that has gained worldwide attention. According to the World Economic Forum, Brazil is expected to produce between 0,6 and 1,1 million tons annually by 2030, with 60% destined for domestic consumption. This scenario has encouraged research, such as that of IFBA.
The reactor developed by Francislei Santos is a U-shaped photoelectrochemical reactor. It does away with the need for membranes, which traditionally separate gases during the reaction and can generate waste. It also replaces the use of potassium hydroxide, which is considered unviable on a large scale because it generates contaminants.
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Technology based on previous experiences
The researcher says that, in 2015, a curious experiment served as the basis for the current advances. At the time, he used a photovoltaic panel on an electrolyzer with human urine, in studies on the reuse of waste in treatment plants.To my surprise, this plate broke the molecule and released the hydrogen. This turned the world around”, recalls.
In 2023, the team launched the new reactor, which does not use membranes or harsh chemicals. The main source of energy is sunlight, which is used to trigger chemical reactions that separate water into hydrogen and oxygen.
In addition, the equipment uses plant-based graphene, improving its performance. It is the first H2V technology to use this type of graphene.
Positive results and next steps
According to Francislei Santos, the reactor showed good results in gas production. “The reactor is a superior solution in terms of efficiency, sustainability and safety. It operates at a lower cost, uses renewable energy sources, dispenses with aggressive chemicals and eliminates the need for membranes."
Tests under Standard Temperature and Pressure (STP) conditions demonstrated successful photoelectrochemical reactions. Raman spectroscopic analyses confirmed the properties of the plant catalyst. The next phase of the project will be to analyze the purity of the gases generated by means of gas chromatography.
Patented project with national support
The innovation has already been patented and has the support of the National Institute of Industrial Property (INPI), within the Industrial Property Mentoring Program (PMPI).
The technology is also part of Catalisa ICT, an initiative by Sebrae Nacional that encourages the transformation of scientific knowledge into high-impact solutions.
On National Science and Scientific Researcher Day, on July 8, 2019, the State Secretariat of Science, Technology and Innovation (Secti) launched a series of reports showing how scientists from Bahia contribute to society in areas such as health, education and security.
With information from Rádio Portal Sudoeste.
