Researchers from the JENano Group at the University of Johannesburg (UJ) are advancing South Africa’s green hydrogen ambitions through integrated research spanning computational materials design, advanced electrode fabrication, membrane-free electrolysers, hydrogen storage and fuel-cell systems. Working with local and international partners, the group is developing technologies aimed at supporting the country’s transition to a low-carbon economy while addressing practical deployment challenges.
Green hydrogen is produced by splitting water using electricity generated from renewable sources such as solar and wind power. Unlike conventional hydrogen produced from fossil fuels, green hydrogen generates no carbon emissions at the point of production. It is increasingly viewed as a critical solution for decarbonising hard-to-abate sectors such as steelmaking, chemicals, heavy transport and long-duration energy storage.
With abundant solar and wind resources, South Africa is well positioned to become a producer and exporter of green hydrogen. However, achieving this potential will require technologies that can operate efficiently, reliably and at competitive cost.
The JENano Group forms part of UJ’s Department of Mechanical Engineering Science and is led by Prof Tien-Chien Jen, holder of the South African Research Chairs Initiative Chair in Green Hydrogen, funded through Sasol and the National Research Foundation.
The group’s work covers hydrogen generation, storage and utilisation, while also expanding into advanced battery materials and electrochemical energy storage. Researchers are investigating technologies that can improve energy density, durability, safety and charging performance, recognising that batteries and hydrogen will play complementary roles in future energy systems.
Combining Simulation and Experimentation
A key feature of the group’s research approach is the integration of advanced computational modelling with laboratory validation.
Researchers use density functional theory, molecular dynamics and reactive molecular dynamics simulations to investigate materials at atomic scale before they are manufactured and tested. These tools are used to study hydrogen evolution reaction mechanisms, hydrogen storage materials, electrolyser components and fuel-cell systems.
The same techniques are applied to battery research. Recent studies on niobium-modified lithium iron phosphate (LFP) cathodes have shown that niobium incorporation can improve lithium-ion diffusion, enhance conductivity and maintain structural stability. The findings suggest opportunities for faster-charging and more durable battery systems.
Experimental research complements these simulations through the fabrication of high-performance electrodes for water electrolysis. The group works with catalyst systems including nickel-iron alloys, iridium oxide, platinum-on-carbon and molybdenum disulfide, deposited onto conductive substrates selected for either proton-exchange membrane (PEM) or alkaline electrolyser systems.
This simulation-led approach reduces development time and helps identify promising materials before costly experimental testing.
Advanced Fabrication and Characterisation
The group’s experimental capabilities are anchored by South Africa’s first atomic layer deposition (ALD) research facility, located at UJ. The facility houses two Picosun ALD reactors in ISO 7-certified clean-room laboratories and was established through a National Nano Equipment Programme grant of about $1-million.ALD enables the deposition of ultra-thin, highly uniform coatings with atomic-level precision. This capability is important for optimising catalyst activity, conductivity and durability in hydrogen technologies.
The facility is supported by chemical vapour deposition systems, thermal annealing furnaces and a range of advanced characterisation tools, including scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and electrochemical testing techniques.
Beyond hydrogen applications, ALD is increasingly being used to develop advanced battery materials and protective coatings for lithium-ion and solid-state batteries. Recent studies on Nb2O5coated LFP cathodes demonstrated improved discharge capacity, cycling stability and voltage performance, highlighting the role of nanoscale surface engineering in extending battery life and improving performance.
FeNi Catalysts for Hydrogen Production
One of the group’s significant modelling achievements has been the identification of iron-nickel (FeNi) heterometallic surfaces as highly effective catalysts for alkaline hydrogen evolution reactions.
Using reactive molecular dynamics simulations, researchers compared FeNi surfaces with conventional nickel- and platinum-based catalysts. The results showed that FeNi consistently delivered higher hydrogen evolution rates across a range of operating conditions.
The superior performance is attributed to the complementary roles of iron and nickel within the catalyst structure. Iron-rich regions promote water dissociation and hydroxide adsorption, while nickel-rich regions facilitate hydrogen adsorption and release.
Importantly, FeNi catalysts rely on abundant and relatively inexpensive materials, offering a potentially cost-effective alternative to precious-metal-based systems. The findings, first published in 2021, continue to guide experimental work on next-generation alkaline electrolyser electrodes.
Membrane-free Electrolysis with Hydrox Holdings
Alongside catalyst development, the JENano Group is collaborating with Africa’s first electrolyser original-equipment manufacturer Hydrox Holdings to investigate membrane-free electrolysis technologies.
Hydrox’s patented Divergent-Electrode-Flow-Through (DEFT) system eliminates the polymer membrane used in conventional PEM electrolysers, removing one of the most expensive and failure-prone components of the technology.
The DEFT system uses interpenetrating nickel-based porous electrodes that create microchannels to separate hydrogen and oxygen without a physical membrane. The design incorporates a filter-press stack configuration and external gas-liquid separation chambers that simplify maintenance and improve operational reliability.
The technology is capable of producing hydrogen at purities ranging from 99.5% to 99.9995% and is designed to accommodate fluctuating renewable-energy inputs. Early techno-economic assessments indicate that DEFT could significantly reduce the levelised cost of hydrogen production compared with traditional membrane-based systems.
Within the partnership, JENano contributes modelling, materials development and electrochemical characterisation expertise, while Hydrox provides engineering, system integration and commercialization capabilities.
Hydrogen Storage Research
Efficient hydrogen storage remains one of the major challenges facing large-scale hydrogen deployment. To address this, the JENano Group is investigating advanced two-dimensional materials capable of storing hydrogen safely and efficiently.
One focus area is borophene, a two-dimensional form of boron with unique electronic and mechanical properties. Research has shown that yttrium-doped borophene can significantly improve hydrogen storage capacity while maintaining reversible adsorption and desorption characteristics required for practical applications.
The group is also studying doped B4C4 materials, which may provide tunable storage characteristics for both mobile and stationary hydrogen systems.
These projects are supported by collaborations with Chinese universities and research institutes specialising in advanced materials, thin-film technologies and computational modelling.
Future Deployment
Beyond research, the JENano Group places significant emphasis on skills development and technology demonstration.
Its green hydrogen learning kits integrate small electrolysers, hydrogen storage components and fuel-cell stacks, enabling students to observe the complete hydrogen value chain from production through to electricity generation. The systems are used in undergraduate and postgraduate education, technical and vocational education and training engagement programmes and school outreach initiatives.
The group is also exploring the deployment of 9 kW solid oxide fuel-cell units at UJ in partnership with energy software and technology solutions provider Mitochondria Energy Systems. These installations would provide a practical platform for demonstrating distributed power generation using hydrogen-rich fuels while supporting training and applied research.
South Africa’s ongoing energy-security challenges underscore the need for new energy solutions that can improve reliability while supporting decarbonisation. Green hydrogen offers opportunities to diversify the country’s energy mix, create new industrial value chains and reduce emissions in sectors where electrification is difficult.
At the same time, advanced battery technologies will play a critical complementary role by supporting renewable-energy integration, electric mobility and distributed energy systems.
Through its work on hydrogen production, storage, fuel cells, electrolysers and battery technologies, the JENano Group is helping to address key technical and economic barriers to deployment. Combined with industry partnerships, international collaboration and skills development initiatives, these efforts are positioning UJ and South Africa as meaningful contributors to the global hydrogen economy and the broader clean-energy transition.
