A novel geo-photocatalyst, an iron-containing layered clay mineral, for photocatalytic H2 evolution from water

A natural clay releases hydrogen from water

29 April 2023

A natural, iron-containing clay can be used as a photocatalyst for generating hydrogen from water using light.

Photocatalysis that uses sunlight to split water and thereby generate hydrogen gas is a highly attractive way to generate green energy.

Much research has been done in exploring various photocatalysts for the process. Along with a high photoactivity, desirable properties include environmentally-friendly materials that are stable, cheap and easy to process.

Now, a team led by researchers from Vidyasirimedhi Institute of Science and Technology (VISTEC) in Thailand has found that a natural, iron-containing clay can be used as photocatalyst to release hydrogen from water.

This is the first time that a naturally occurring photocatalyst has been found for hydrogen evolution. In addition to being eco-friendly, the photocatalyst exhibited good stability in recycling tests.

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References

1. Chemical Communications 58, 12661 (2022). doi: 10.1039/d2cc05166d