Hydrosol project

A technologically advanced reactor can turn ordinary water and sunlight into hydrogen energy, unlocking the door to an endless source of carbon-free energy for humankind.

Using hydrogen as a source of energy for transport, electricity production and other applications is environmentally attractive. Currently, however, the most feasible methods of hydrogen production are linked with emissions to the atmosphere that negatively impact air quality and contribute to climate change. Unfortunately, this means hydrogen has little advantage over conventional fossil fuels.

Cutting-edge research funded through FP5 could turn things around. The Centre for Research and Technology Hellas (CERTH) coordinated the Hydrosol project with the goal of making hydro­gen from two renewable resources: water and sunlight.

Combining their expertise with that of researchers from three other EU Member States, the CERTH's scientists designed and tested a novel solar reactor. The incident solar radiation is used to superheat water to the point where it dissociates to form hydro­gen and oxygen. A special catalytic coating inside the reactor helps to reduce the temperature that must be reached for water splitting to occur. Ceramic components and a honeycomb mono­lith structure further enhance the reactor's efficiency.

The CERTH and its Hydrosol partners have applied for a patent for the new reactor, which is similar in size and shape to the catalytic con­verters on most automo­biles. The new reactor could transform hydrogen into a more viable form of energy, especially in southern Europe where sunshine is plentiful all year round. Furthermore, this result can contribute to Europe's goals of energy production from renewable energy sources and reductions in carbon emissions.

(Source ResearchEU)

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