CSIR-IICT Scientists Develop Low-Cost Copper Catalyst for Seawater-to-Hydrogen

Scientists at the CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (CSIR-IICT) in Hyderabad have developed a low-cost copper-based photocatalyst that could help convert sunlight and seawater into clean hydrogen fuel, potentially reducing the need for expensive precious metals in green hydrogen production, The Hindu reported. The team was led by scientist Ujjwal Pal and research scholar Bhavya Jaksani.

The researchers studied a copper-titanium dioxide photocatalyst and found that its structure changes continuously during the hydrogen-production process. Under sunlight, the copper and titanium sites alter their oxidation states, which improves the catalyst's ability to generate hydrogen; the material becomes more active as its internal structure evolves during the reaction.

Copper introduces small defects into the titanium dioxide framework, which improves charge movement and lets the material absorb and use solar energy more effectively, contributing to higher hydrogen output. The researchers found that the catalyst's long-term performance also depends on factors beyond the material itself, including sunlight intensity and the availability of substances that help the reaction along.

Experiments using natural seawater showed that dissolved minerals and ions present in it influence hydrogen generation by affecting interactions between the seawater and the catalyst surface, meaning these components can significantly affect overall efficiency. The findings highlight the importance of studying photocatalysts under real operating conditions rather than treating them as materials with a fixed structure.

"Our study shows that a photocatalyst is not a static material; its structure and defects evolve continuously during the reaction," said Ujjwal Pal. The CSIR-IICT team is now working to translate the laboratory findings into solar photoreactor systems designed for seawater and coastal applications.