Indian researchers from the Centre for Nano and Soft Matter Sciences (CeNS), Bengaluru, have developed a scalable solar-driven device that generates green hydrogen using only sunlight and water.
About the New Device
It is a photoelectrochemical (PEC) water-splitting system that utilizes:

- A silicon-based photoanode with a n-i-p heterojunction architecture, made up of:
- n-type TiO₂
- intrinsic Si
- p-type NiO
- Key Features:
- Enhances charge separation and transport efficiency.
- Employs magnetron sputtering—a scalable and industry-ready thin-film deposition technique.
- Optimized for large-scale production and solar-to-hydrogen conversion.
Significance
- Cost-effective: Uses abundant and non-toxic materials.
- Scalable: Magnetron sputtering allows for mass production.
- Efficient:
- Surface photovoltage: 600 mV
- Low onset potential: ~0.11 VRHE
- Stable: Maintains performance with only 4% degradation after 10 hours in alkaline conditions.
- Large-scale viability: 25 cm² photoanode demonstrates scalability.
- Self-sustained: Operates using only solar energy, without dependence on external electricity.
Strategic Importance for India
- Supports National Hydrogen Mission launched in 2021
- Advances India’s progress toward net-zero emissions by 2070.
- Aligns with India’s commitments under the Paris Agreement
- Potential to make India a global hub for green hydrogen production and export
PWOnlyIAS ExtraEdge: About Green Hydrogen
- Definition: Hydrogen produced through electrolysis of water using renewable energy sources (e.g., solar, wind).
Advantages
- Zero carbon emissions-cleanest form of hydrogen.
- Decarbonizing hard-to-abate sectors like steel, cement, chemicals.
- Enables long-term energy storage and grid balancing.
- Fuel for hydrogen fuel cell vehicles.
- Reduces dependence on fossil fuel imports – enhancing energy security.
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Additional Reading: Green Hydrogen in India: A Comprehensive Roadmap for Adoption, Challenges & Initiatives
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