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Scientists Achieve Solar Hydrogen Production Breakthrough
A newly published study reveals how scientists used a solar cell and a photo anode made of a metal oxide to achieve a solar hydrogen production breakthrough.
The experts were able to develop a rather elegant and simple system for using sunlight to split water into hydrogen and oxygen.
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This process, called artificial photosynthesis, allows solar energy to be stored in the form of hydrogen. The hydrogen can then be used as a fuel either directly or in the form of methane, or it can generate electricity in a fuel cell.
One rough estimate shows the potential inherent in this technology: At a solar performance in Germany of roughly 600 Watts per square meter, 100 square meters of this type of system is theoretically capable of storing 3 kilowatt hours of energy in the form of hydrogen in just one single hour of sunshine. This energy could then be available at night or on cloudy days.