A research team at King Abdulaziz City for Science and
Technology (KACST) has developed an innovative system for producing green
hydrogen directly from seawater without the need for prior desalination
processes.
This scientific achievement advances efforts to develop
clean energy technologies and supports the transition toward more efficient and
sustainable solutions for green fuel production.
The innovation was honoured by Qassim Region Governor and Chairman of the Board
of Trustees of the Qassim Award for Excellence and Creativity Prince Dr. Faisal
bin Mishaal bin Saud bin Abdulaziz after winning the Qassim Award for
Excellence and Creativity in the Excellence in Scientific Research and
Innovation category.
The award recognises the project’s innovative scientific
solutions in the clean energy sector, and KACST President Dr. Munir Eldesouki
received it from Prince Dr. Faisal.
The innovation relies on alkaline seawater electrolysis using a highly
efficient nanocatalyst, with the addition of low concentrations of aqueous
hydrazine as a reaction aid.
This contributes to reducing the required electrical voltage
and improving hydrogen production efficiency compared with conventional
systems.
The project aims to address the main challenges associated with direct seawater
electrolysis, most notably high energy consumption, chlorine gas formation, and
electrode corrosion.
This is achieved through the development of a hybrid system
that enhances the efficiency of electrochemical reactions, limits undesirable
side reactions, and improves operational stability.
The project results demonstrated advanced electrochemical performance,
contributing to a 60% reduction in energy consumption and a 50% increase in
hydrogen production efficiency compared with commercial electrolysers used for
pure water.
The system also achieved high efficiency in limiting
chlorine gas formation and reducing electrode corrosion, thereby enhancing
system reliability and extending the operational lifespan of its components.
KACST research team head Dr. Abdullah Alotaibi noted that this development
represents an important step toward enabling green hydrogen production from
seawater as a direct water source, contributing to reduced operating costs and
improved efficiency in clean energy production.
He stated: “This system addresses one of the key technical challenges in
seawater electrolysis and opens promising prospects for future applications in
green hydrogen production with greater efficiency and sustainability.”
This innovation represents a promising national model for developing
technologies that produce green hydrogen directly from seawater, enhancing
opportunities to utilise available natural resources with high efficiency and
low operating costs. –OGN/TradeArabia News Service
