Climate Insider Brief:
- A study published in Polymer describes a new material made from polyaniline nanostructures and multi-walled carbon nanotubes, which shows potential for producing hydrogen via solar-driven water splitting, offering a renewable alternative to conventional methods.
- The research was conducted by teams at the Center for Development of Functional Materials (CDMF) and the Center for Innovation in New Energies (CINE), with support from FAPESP and Shell.
- The São Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP) supports scientific research in São Paulo, Brazil, through grants and scholarships, fostering international collaboration and promoting significant scientific breakthroughs.
A recent study published in the journal Polymer details the production of a new material with promising applications for generating hydrogen (H2) through solar-driven water splitting, known as photoelectrocatalysis. This method offers a renewable alternative to the conventional electricity-driven process of hydrogen production.
Hydrogen produced from renewable sources, commonly referred to as green hydrogen, is increasingly recognized as a potential “fuel of the future” due to its sustainability and low environmental impact. The study introduces films composed of polyaniline nanostructures layered over multi-walled carbon nanotubes, demonstrating significant potential in photoelectrocatalysis, particularly in hydrogen production. Essential characteristics for this process include efficient light absorption and enhanced stability, both of which the new material exhibits.
Polyaniline, an organic semiconductor within the flexible polymer family, has been known for over 150 years. However, it has only recently garnered significant interest from the scientific community because of its high electrical conductivity. The combination of polyaniline with multi-walled carbon nanotubes in the study enhances the material’s effectiveness in photoelectrocatalytic applications.
The research was conducted by teams at the Center for Development of Functional Materials (CDMF) and the Center for Innovation in New Energies (CINE). CDMF is a Research, Innovation, and Dissemination Center (RIDC) established by the São Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP) and hosted by the Federal University of São Carlos (UFSCar). CINE is an Engineering Research Center (ERC) supported by FAPESP and Shell.
FAPESP is a public institution dedicated to supporting scientific research across all fields of knowledge in the State of São Paulo, Brazil. It achieves this by awarding scholarships, fellowships, and grants to researchers associated with higher education and research institutions. Recognizing the importance of international collaboration, FAPESP has established partnerships with various global research organizations and encourages scientists funded by its grants to engage in international projects.
For more information about FAPESP and its initiatives, please visit FAPESP. To stay updated on the latest scientific developments supported by FAPESP, visit the FAPESP News Agency and consider subscribing to their updates.
To stay informed about the climate industry explore our latest climate tech news.
SOURCE: EurekAlert
