Development of photochemical reactors in saltwater systems
Addressing challenges related to photochemical hydrogen production in saltwater systems requires expertise from multiple disciplines. The project brings together researchers from several academic environments at Western Norway University of Applied Sciences and partners in Norway and internationally.
About the Project
Photochemical water splitting is a method in which sunlight is used to split water and produce hydrogen.The technology may contribute to the development of carbon-neutral energy systems and is considered a promising complement to established hydrogen production technologies.
Current methods of hydrogen production rely heavily on ultra-pure water. This limits deployment in regions facing freshwater scarcity and in offshore applications, where desalination increases both costs and energy consumption.
Seawater is a potential alternative, but its complex chemical composition creates challenges related to corrosion, fouling, and reduced efficiency. Previous research conducted by the research group has demonstrated that hydrogen can be produced in both simulated and natural seawater.
The project will develop new photoelectrode materials and design a photochemical reactor concept for hydrogen directly from seawater.
Project Objective
The overall objective of the project is to develop a prototype photochemical reactor for hydrogen production in seawater under prolonged solar irradiation. The reactor will combine new photoelectrode materials with an innovative reactor concept that enables the separation of hydrogen and oxygen during operation.
Research Areas
Materials Development
The project will develop new photoelectrode materials for photochemical hydrogen production in seawater. The work includes literature reviews, identification of promising material combinations, and fabrication of photoanodes and photocathodes.
The objective is to develop materials with high stability and efficiency under saline conditions.
Optimization
The developed materials will be characterized and evaluated to investigate their structure, properties, and performance. The resulting photoelectrodes will be optimized and tested for photochemical hydrogen production under prolonged light exposure.
The work also includes studies of stability and degradation mechanisms to understand how the materials are affected over time.
Reactor Development
The project will develop a prototype photochemical reactor that enables separation of hydrogen and oxygen during hydrogen production in seawater. The photoelectrodes will be integrated into the reactor system, wich will then be tested to evaluate stability, degradation, and gas separation.
As part of the work, the electrode area will be scaled up to 10 × 10 cm². The objective is to demonstrate a reactor concept that can support further development and scale-up of photochemical hydrogen production in seawater.
Project Organization
The project is an interdisciplinary collaboration involving researchers from several departments and research groups at Western Norway University of Applied Sciences. It builds on expertise in hydrogen technology, materials science, and photoelectrode materials, as well as collaboration with national industry partners and international research institutions.
Dissemination and Further Development
Project results will be published in international scientific journals and presented at national and international conferences focusing on hydrogen research. Results will also be disseminated through webinars and professional networks in collaboration with international partners.
The project aims to facilitate further scale-up and testing of the technology through collaboration with research institutions, industry partners, and innovation partners. The results will provide a foundation for future development, pilot-scale testing, and new research and innovation projects.
Project Leader
Project Participants and Partners
Research participants and Partners
Project Team
PhD Candidate: Isacfranklin Melkiur
Research Partners
- Md Hujjatul Islam (NORCE)
- Shivatharsiny Yohi (Augustana University, South Dakota, USA)
- Punniamoorthy Ravirajan, (University of Jaffna)
- Darija Susac (University of Cape Town)