New Prototype Device Harvests Water From The Air to Make Hydrogen Fuel

Hydrogen has a lot of potential as a clean fuel and can be used to store energy from solar, wind, and tidal sources.

Producing enough of the stuff in a practical and affordable manner is a challenge. Pure freshwater can be used to split hydrogen from water, but it's not something that's plentiful.

Scientists came up with a prototype device that can harvest water from humid air and split it into hydrogen and oxygen.

It is able to operate in areas where the humidity is as low as 4%.

The researchers say in their paper that they have proof that the air can be used to make hydrogen.

The device put together by the researchers is a prototype that can break water into hydrogen and oxygen. Five lyzers were working in parallel in a test.

The water harvesting unit has a sponge-like material on either side of it that absorbs water from the air. When the split happens, hydrogen and oxygen can be collected from the air.

One of the configurations the researchers tried was able to operate successfully for 12 days after being tested.

The researchers say that the direct air electrolysis module can work under a bone-dry environment with a relative humidity of 4%, overcoming water supply issues and producing green hydrogen with minimal impact to the environment.

It is possible to use this device in any location with clean drinking water. It's most likely to be used in arid regions where there isn't much water around.

Another important breakthrough in the production of hydrogen fuel has been the use of aluminum and gallium to split up hydrogen and oxygen in water. There are many ways scientists can make hydrogen power a more widespread reality.

It's important to remember that this technology is still in its infancy, with different results from different setup and materials. The team believes that their device can be improved.

Enhancement of the surface-to-volume ratio by engineering channels or increasing the aspect ratios of the sponge material will guarantee the rate of water absorption.

The research has appeared in a journal.