At PH2OTOGEN, we are redefining hydrogen production with innovative materials and processes. A cornerstone of this effort is the oxidising particle (OP), a key component in our light-driven system for converting glycerol into valuable products such as 1,3 dihydroxyacetone. By tackling the challenges of reaction selectivity and scalability, we are advancing toward an efficient and sustainable solution for green hydrogen production.
Unveiling new tools and promising materials
One of the important early breakthroughs in our work has been the development of a High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) method. This new tool allows us to reliably distinguish between glycerol and two of its oxidation products, 1,3 dihydroxyacetone (DHA) and formic acid (FA). This capability is essential for understanding and improving the reaction pathways in our system.
In the first phase of the project, we have benchmarked various semiconductors as candidates for the OP. Early testing has also shown that bismuth vanadate (BiVO₄) is a promising candidate for the light-driven oxidation of glycerol. Its performance as a photoelectrode material is already opening new possibilities for improving efficiency and selectivity.
An essential collaboration
The progress we’ve made wouldn’t have been possible without the close collaboration among PH2OTOGEN’s partners.
Our partners at EPFL tested the first batch of BiVO₄ samples under concentrated solar irradiation, providing valuable performance data.
Together, we developed consistent measurement protocols for evaluating oxidising particles and films. These shared standards ensure reliable data collection across the consortium, helping to drive innovation forward.
Overcoming challenges in reaction selectivity
A major challenge in the oxidation process is achieving the desired selectivity. Currently, only 20% of glycerol is converted to DHA, while most is oxidised into glycolaldehyde, which has less value. To address this, we are:
- Modifying BiVO₄ with dopants to influence the chemical pathways.
- Applying surface modification techniques to steer the reaction towards DHA production.
This work is critical to ensuring that the process not only produces hydrogen but also generates high-value by-products.
Scaling up without compromising quality
Scaling up the production of BiVO₄ films onto larger porous substrates is another important challenge. Controlled deposition on larger surfaces is inherently difficult, but our team is tackling this by focusing on techniques that are easier to scale from the outset. This approach ensures that the solutions we develop can be seamlessly transitioned to larger-scale applications, bringing us closer to real-world deployment.
Looking ahead: a path to greater efficiency
Our next steps involve further enhancing the performance of BiVO₄ photoelectrodes. We are focusing on:
- Improving selectivity and efficiency through doping and surface modifications.
- Refining scalable deposition methods to ensure consistent quality across larger substrates.
By combining these efforts, we are advancing towards an efficient and scalable system that can transform hydrogen production.
Driving toward a sustainable future
The development of efficient oxidising particles is not just a technical achievement—it’s a vital step toward a more sustainable energy future. By addressing challenges in selectivity, scalability, and efficiency, PH2OTOGEN is advancing green hydrogen production and unlocking the potential for valuable by-products like DHA.
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Prof. Dr. Roel van de Krol
Head of the Institute for Solar Fuels at the Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin
