Quasi-Molecular Nano-Dielectric Designs For Efficient Particle-Based Photocatalysis

Brief Description

A novel theoretical model enables efficient and cost-effective solar-driven water splitting to generate clean, storable hydrogen fuel.

Full Description

This technology harnesses light-to-chemical energy conversion through solar photocatalytic water splitting, utilizing a kinetic Monte Carlo framework that provides guidance for how to design materials that could exhibit not only high quantum yields for photochemical processes like water splitting, but also absorb a significant fraction of sunlight so that overall efficiencies are high in order to achieve the DOE Hydrogen Shot cost target of $1/kg-H2.i.

Suggested uses

• Renewable hydrogen fuel production for energy storage and clean transportation
• Nitrogen reduction for ammonia synthesis in fertilizer production
• Scalable clean energy systems with reduced manufacturing costs and enhanced safety

Advantages

• Cost-effective hydrogen production to meet the DOE Hydrogent Shot target of $1 per kg
• Elimination of bulky, expensive glass reactors by using lightweight, scalable plastic baggies 
• Optimized material design based on detailed light absorption and charge transport simulations 
• Safe, renewable, and clean hydrogen generation avoiding explosive or hazardous methods

Patent Status

Patent Pending