In Brazil, a study led by researchers from the Center for Innovation in New Energies (CINE) has shown that replacing water with glycerol – popularly known as glycerin – increases the efficiency of photoelectrochemical cells. These cells use sunlight as a source of clean, renewable energy to generate green hydrogen.
CINE is an Applied Research Center (ARC) set up by FAPESP and Shell in 2018. It is based at the State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), the University of São Paulo (USP), and the Federal University of São Carlos (UFSCar), and eight other Brazilian institutions participate.
In photoelectrochemical cells, sensitive materials in the photoanode absorb light and drive a series of oxidation (loss of electrons) and reduction (gain of electrons) reactions, ultimately splitting the water molecule into oxygen and hydrogen molecules. However, water oxidation is slow and inefficient, which is why research groups around the world are looking for ways to overcome this limitation.
One approach is to replace water with molecules that can be more easily oxidized and generate larger electric currents, thereby making hydrogen production more efficient. The goal is to use organic molecules obtained from renewable, sustainable sources, such as biomass waste.
Tags: Brazil, CINE, glycerol
Category: Research
