China Produces Hydrogen by Splitting Seawater via New Electrolyzer, Researchers Successful in Test

Chinese researchers have successfully tested its new machine to produce hydrogen that splits it from seawater, known as one of the most abundant resources from all across the globe.

The researchers from Nanjing Tech University were able to create a device that is capable of delivering this raw material from a massive source, a feat that has not yet been done before. It also addresses the challenges of using seawater as it is infamous for causing corrosion and side reactions caused by its traditional processes to machines.

China's Research Produces Hydrogen from Seawater, Successful Tests

The researchers published their study via Nature, entitled "A membrane-based seawater electrolyser for hydrogen generation," and it talked about the successful run of its machine. Its study included running its membrane-based seawater electrolyzer for 3,200 hours non-stop, on a practical application and claimed the results were outstanding.

Its machine was able to do its processes and production without failure, centering on its success to harvest hydrogen from salty water.

"Our strategy realizes efficient, size-flexible, and scalable direct seawater electrolysis in a way similar to freshwater splitting without a notable increase in operation cost," lead researcher, Zongping Shao, said in an interview (via IEEE Spectrum).

New Membrane-based Seawater Electrolyzer Solves Problems

One of the most significant developments in this study is that the researchers were able to solve the problem that most traditional seawater electrolyzers face, it is with the corrosion of its electrodes.

According to the study, "Electrochemical saline water electrolysis using renewable energy as input is a highly desirable and sustainable method for the mass production of green hydrogen." Initial problems center on its insufficiency due to the "side effects" of harnessing seawater.

Chinese Research and Advancements

China is massive in its research, advancements, and developments that help modernize the country in a significant way, one that makes it one of the top competitors in the modern industries present. One of the most significant developments of China is its energy ventures, with a "Nuclear Island" in the works for its future deployment.

There are massive developments in the east Asian country that centers on the technological advancement of its nation, one that sees rapid growth.

Another renowned venture from Beijing is its focus on its air and space industry, one where it repurposed an old method called "ski jump" to use for hypersonic space travel. While this research is still utilizing 1/80 model planes in its current research, it is one promising technology as it could deploy on as much as seven times the speed of sound once developed.

As one of the world leaders in research and development, China pushes through its many ingenious developments from the country that helps propel it to greater heights, in various industries.

The recent research only shows that it can harness a viable energy source for clean energy, hydrogen, from one of the most abundant sources in the world.