Solar paint creates hydrogen fuel from water vapor

  • 7 years ago
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA — Researchers from the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology have invented a novel new solar paint that can turn surfaces into a hydrogen power generator.

According to a study published in ACS Nano, the main ingredient is a newly developed compound called synthetic molybdenum-sulfide, which absorbs moisture and accelerates the splitting of water molecules.

When combined with paint which contains titanium oxide particles, the resulting substance is able to produce hydrogen energy from sunlight and water vapor.

Hydrogen is one of the cleanest sources of energy, and can be used to power various kinds of vehicles and equipment.

The solar paint can generate hydrogen energy in remote locations, or hot and dry climates, so long as there is sunlight and moisture in the air.

The researchers believe it will take at least five years to come up with the final product, but is confident that it will be cheap and accessible.