Quantum-enhanced technology promises better green hydrogen production

By OEM Update Editorial November 23, 2023 12:50 pm IST

Innovative quantum-supported technology with high production capacity has the potential to increase the bulk production of green hydrogen significantly.

Dr. Somenath Garai and Prof. S. Srikrishna’s team have developed a groundbreaking technology that demonstrates the potential of Green Hydrogen as an environmentally friendly energy alternative. They have introduced an advanced quantum-powered photocatalyst with an efficient charge transfer system and high proton availability and mobility to enable quantum catalytic applications for energy generation.

The Green Keplerate Team from Banaras Hindu University unveiled this technology at the university in Varanasi. The event featured Dr. Anita Gupta, the Head of the Climate Change & Clean Energy Division, DST, Dr. Ranjith Krishna Pai, Scientist and Director of Climate Change & Clean Energy Division, DST, and Prof. R. R. Sonde, Chairman of the expert committee at IIT Delhi. Eminent domain experts from across the country were also present.

The patent for this technology, which falls under the project titled “Boosting the H2 Economy by Harnessing the Merits of Quantum Encapsulation Chemistry: Augmented Kinetics for Water Splitting Reaction Under Confinement” as part of the Hydrogen and Fuel Cell program within the Clean Energy Research Initiative, is currently awaiting approval.

The cutting-edge design of the photochemical reactor incorporates an integrated lighting system and external curved reflective panels to maximise the absorption of solar energy. The team has created a continuous electron-driven proton delivery system powered by an electron injection mechanism that utilises industrial metal waste. After extensive optimisations, they have achieved a peak rate of Green Hydrogen production in the laboratory, producing approximately 1 litre per minute for every 10 grams of Quantum Photocatalysts.

The hydrogen gas produced is of exceptionally high purity, eliminating the need for additional purification, enhancing this technology’s cost-effectiveness. This groundbreaking innovation has the potential for various applications in energy production, transportation, and agriculture.

The Green Keplerate Team has also conceptualised storage-free, direct hydrogen internal combustion engine technologies and has demonstrated these concepts on vehicles with various engine sizes and functions. The DST funds this project, and it is currently ongoing.