KU Leuven scientists crack the code for affordable, eco-friendly hydrogen gas

Bioscience engineers from KU Leuven have designed a solar panel that converts 15
Bioscience engineers from KU Leuven have designed a solar panel that converts 15 per cent of the sunlight straight into hydrogen gas - a world record. © Tom Bosserez

Bioscience engineers at KU Leuven have created a solar panel that produces hydrogen gas from moisture in the air. After ten years of development, the panel can now produce 250 litres per day - a world record, according to the researchers. Twenty of these solar panels could provide electricity and heat for one family for an entire year. 

Under a watery sun, Professor Johan Martens and his research team roll the solar panel onto the lawn in front of the Centre for Surface Chemistry and Catalysis at KU Leuven. The device looks like an ordinary solar panel. The engineers have attached a flask with water to the device so that we can see the hydrogen bubbles escape. A meter indicates the quantities. ...

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