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Time of India
3 days ago
- Science
- Time of India
Scientists in India turn sunlight into fuel - Green hydrogen tech could power homes, cars
New Delhi: In a development that could significantly advance India's green hydrogen ambitions, scientists at the Centre for Nano and Soft Matter Sciences (CeNS), Bengaluru, have designed and tested a next-generation device that produces green hydrogen by directly splitting water molecules using sunlight and earth-abundant materials. Unlike the conventional route—where solar panels generate electricity that powers an electrolyser to split water—this new system uses a direct photoelectrochemical (PEC) process. Here, sunlight itself triggers the water-splitting reaction, eliminating the need for an external power supply or fossil-fuel-based backup. This makes the process simpler, more efficient, and potentially cheaper. The research, led by Dr Ashutosh K. Singh and his team at CeNS—an autonomous institute under the Department of Science and Technology (DST)—focuses on building a sustainable and scalable system for green hydrogen generation. The work has been published in the Journal of Materials Chemistry A by the Royal Society of Chemistry. The device and its design At the core of the innovation is a novel silicon-based photoanode featuring an n-i-p heterojunction architecture. This includes layers of n-type titanium dioxide (TiO₂), intrinsic silicon (Si), and p-type nickel oxide (NiO). The structure enhances light absorption, improves charge separation, and ensures efficient charge transport—critical for direct solar-to-hydrogen conversion. The materials were deposited using magnetron sputtering, a commercial-scale thin-film technique known for precision layering and structural stability. The device operated in alkaline electrolyte conditions and maintained structural integrity over extended hours of use. Key performance indicators The prototype achieved a surface photovoltage of 600 millivolts and a low onset potential of 0.11 volts versus the reversible hydrogen electrode (VRHE), indicating high photoelectrochemical efficiency and a low energy threshold. It ran continuously for over 10 hours under simulated solar irradiation with only a 4% drop in performance. 'The heterostructure was specifically designed to maximise PEC efficiency while maintaining long-term stability,' said Dr Singh. 'This brings us closer to building practical, fossil-fuel-free hydrogen systems.' Scalability and impact To demonstrate scalability, the team tested a 25 cm² photoanode, which performed effectively under solar water-splitting conditions. This scale-up shows promise for moving from lab to pilot applications and potentially to commercial hydrogen production. The device's design avoids rare-earth or high-cost catalysts, does not require high pressure or temperature, and is compatible with different lithium-ion battery chemistries for renewable storage integration—making it flexible and economically viable. National relevance The innovation supports India's clean energy goals under the National Green Hydrogen Mission and Aatmanirbhar Bharat. By producing green hydrogen directly from sunlight without relying on electricity or imported materials, the device contributes to energy self-reliance and carbon-neutral fuel alternatives for mobility, power generation, and industry. According to the DST, such breakthroughs can accelerate India's leadership in solar hydrogen technology and help build decentralised hydrogen hubs with localised energy ecosystems. Outlook The CeNS team is exploring further scale-up pathways, industry partnerships, and integration into existing hydrogen infrastructure. They also plan to test the device in varied climatic conditions to assess long-term field performance across India. If successful, the technology could help build round-the-clock renewable energy systems, especially in sectors where direct electrification is difficult—offering a new route to affordable and indigenous green hydrogen at scale. te long-term field applications.
Hans India
4 days ago
- Science
- Hans India
Scientists develop scalable device to produce green hydrogen efficiently
New Delhi: A team of Indian scientists from the Centre for Nano and Soft Matter Sciences (CeNS), Bengaluru, an autonomous institute of the Department of Science and Technology (DST), have developed a scalable next-generation device that produces green hydrogen by splitting water molecules. Green hydrogen is one of the cleanest fuels known, capable of decarbonising industries, powering vehicles, and storing renewable energy. Yet, until now, scalable and affordable production methods remained elusive. The CeNS team developed green hydrogen using only solar energy and earth-abundant materials, without relying on fossil fuels or expensive resources. 'By selecting smart materials and combining them into a heterostructure, we have created a device that not only boosts performance but can also be produced on a large scale,' said Dr. Ashutosh K. Singh from CeNS, who led the research. 'This brings us one step closer to affordable, large-scale solar-to-hydrogen energy systems,' he added. In the research, published in the Journal of Materials Chemistry A, the team designed a state-of-the-art silicon-based photoanode using an innovative n-i-p heterojunction architecture, consisting of stacked n-type TiO2, intrinsic (undoped) Si, and p-type NiO semiconductor layers, which work together to enhance charge separation and transport efficiency. The materials were deposited using magnetron sputtering -- a scalable and industry-ready technique that ensures precision and efficiency. This thoughtful engineering approach allowed better light absorption, faster charge transport, and reduced recombination loss, key ingredients for efficient solar-to-hydrogen conversion. This is more than just a lab success. The device achieved an excellent surface photovoltage of 600 mV and a low onset potential of around 0.11 VRHE, making it highly effective at generating hydrogen under solar energy. Even more impressively, it showcased exceptional long-term stability, operating continuously for over 10 hours in alkaline conditions with only a 4 per cent performance drop, a rare feat in Si-based photoelectrochemical systems. This new device is attractive for several reasons, including high efficiency, low energy input, robust durability, and cost-effective materials, all in one package, the researchers said. It even demonstrated successful performance at a large scale, with a 25 cm2 photoanode delivering excellent solar water-splitting results. With further development, the technology could fuel hydrogen-based energy systems, from homes to factories, all powered by the sun, the team said.
Time of India
22-06-2025
- Science
- Time of India
India achieves breakthrough in green hydrogen production using only solar energy
In a landmark scientific advancement, Indian researchers have developed a scalable, next-generation device capable of producing green hydrogen by splitting water molecules using only solar energy —without the need for fossil fuels or costly breakthrough comes from scientists at the Centre for Nano and Soft Matter Sciences (CeNS) in Bengaluru, an autonomous institute under the Department of Science and Technology (DST). The innovation marks a major step forward in India's clean energy mission and the global transition to sustainable fuels , the Ministry of Science & Technology said in a statement on Friday. Green hydrogen, considered one of the cleanest fuels, has the potential to decarbonize heavy industries, power vehicles, and store renewable energy . However, large-scale and cost-effective production of green hydrogen has long been a technological challenge - until now. Smart design for a solar-powered future The research team, led by Dr. Ashutosh K. Singh, has engineered a state-of-the-art silicon-based photoanode using an n-i-p heterojunction architecture, which integrates: n-type TiO₂Undoped (intrinsic) siliconp-type NiO This multi-layered configuration enhances light absorption, charge separation, and transport efficiency—key for converting sunlight into hydrogen fuel. The materials were deposited using magnetron sputtering, a scalable, industry-ready fabrication technique. High performance and durability The device recorded impressive performance metrics: Surface photovoltage of 600 mVLow onset potential of ~0.11 VRHEContinuous operation for over 10 hours in alkaline conditions with just a 4% drop in efficiency The team also scaled the device successfully, with a 25 cm² photoanode demonstrating consistent and effective solar water-splitting results. 'This device combines high efficiency, durability, and scalability,' said Dr. Singh. 'It's a significant step toward affordable, solar-driven hydrogen production that could transform our energy landscape.' Published and peer-recognised The research has been published in the Journal of Materials Chemistry A by the Royal Society of Chemistry. Scientists believe this innovation could pave the way for decentralized hydrogen energy systems , powering homes, factories, and even entire cities using sunlight. National and global implications This breakthrough aligns with India's broader mission to lead in green energy technologies under the National Green Hydrogen Mission , aiming for carbon neutrality and energy independence. With further development and support, this indigenous innovation may soon play a vital role in shaping a cleaner, greener, and self-reliant energy future.
The Hindu
15-06-2025
- Science
- The Hindu
CeNS develops new catalyst for sustainable oxygen electrocatalysis
A new catalyst has been designed by the researchers from the Centre for Nano and Soft Matter Sciences, (CeNS) in Bengaluru which apart from making oxygen-related catalytic reactions faster is also affordable and environment friendly. According to the Department of Science and Technology, electrocatalysis involving oxygen underpins numerous clean energy technologies, such as splitting water to produce hydrogen, creating clean fuels, and manufacturing chemicals like hydrogen peroxide. However, these technologies typically face challenges like slow reaction speeds, high energy demands, and high costs due to the limited availability and expense of the precious metals involved. Besides, traditionally, catalysts used in these processes rely on expensive precious metals like platinum or ruthenium making the processes costly. The CeNS researchers have developed a new catalyst that uses nickel selenide enhanced by precisely adding a small amount of iron (Fe) which has the potential of not only reducing costs significantly, but also improving the performance. The team of scientists from CeNS began with a special material known as a metal-organic framework (MOF) which are porous, crystalline structures useful for chemical reactions but have limited electrical conductivity. 'The electronic structure of the MOF has been modulated by Fe doping to improve catalytic active sites. To improve conductivity, researchers converted MOFs into carbon-rich materials through a heating process known as pyrolysis, enhancing their ability to conduct electricity effectively,' the department said. It added that after pyrolysis, researchers introduced selenium, creating two highly effective catalysts known as NixFe1−xSe₂–NC and Ni₃−xFexSe₄–NC. 'Iron doping significantly improved the catalyst's electronic interactions, creating more active sites for reactions and optimizing how reaction intermediates bind to the catalyst surface. These enhancements made the catalyst exceptionally efficient for two key processes: the Oxygen Evolution Reaction (OER), which produces oxygen, and the Oxygen Reduction Reaction (ORR), which converts oxygen into valuable chemicals,' it added. Extensive testing by the researchers showed that the catalyst, NixFe1−xSe₂–NC@400, achieved impressive performance 'In ORR tests for hydrogen peroxide production, this catalyst also exceeded the performance of industry-standard platinum-based catalysts, providing better reaction speeds and higher efficiency,' it said. The department said that detailed analysis revealed that iron doping changed the catalyst's electronic structure in a beneficial way, increasing active sites and facilitating better electron transport.
Hans India
15-05-2025
- Science
- Hans India
Researchers develop catalyst for sustainable oxygen electrocatalysis
New Delhi: Researchers from Bengaluru-based Centre for Nano and Soft Matter Sciences (CeNS) have created a groundbreaking new catalyst designed to make crucial oxygen-related catalytic reactions faster, more affordable and efficient, it was announced on Wednesday. Electrocatalysis involving oxygen underpins numerous clean energy technologies, such as splitting water to produce hydrogen, creating clean fuels, and manufacturing chemicals like hydrogen peroxide. However, these technologies typically face challenges like slow reaction speeds, high energy demands, and high costs due to the limited availability and expense of the precious metals involved. Traditionally, catalysts used in these processes rely on expensive precious metals like platinum or ruthenium making the processes costly, according to the Ministry of Science and Technology. Targeting to reduce the costs, CeNS (under the Department of Science and Technology) has developed a new catalyst that uses nickel selenide enhanced by precisely adding a small amount of iron (Fe). This has the potential of not only reducing costs significantly, but also improves performance. The team of scientists from CeNS began with a special material known as a metal-organic framework (MOF). MOFs are porous, crystalline structures useful for chemical reactions but have limited electrical conductivity. The electronic structure of the MOF has been modulated by Fe doping to improve catalytic active sites. To improve conductivity, researchers converted MOFs into carbon-rich materials through a heating process known as pyrolysis, enhancing their ability to conduct electricity effectively. Additionally, the catalyst exhibited excellent electrical conductivity, a crucial feature for rapid and efficient chemical reactions. This breakthrough could significantly impact industries by providing a cost-effective, sustainable, and highly efficient alternative to current catalysts. Businesses could soon benefit from catalysts that not only cut operational costs but also could reduce environmental impact, said the ministry. The research, published in the journal Nanoscale, opens exciting new avenues for designing advanced catalysts by tuning their electronic and structural properties.
