Scientists at the Hyderabad-based CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (CSIR-IICT) have taken a significant step towards converting sunlight and seawater into clean hydrogen fuel by developing a low-cost copper-based photocatalyst that could reduce reliance on expensive precious metals and make green hydrogen production more affordable.
Hydrogen is widely regarded as a clean fuel of the future because it can generate energy without producing carbon emissions. The research team, led by scientist Ujjwal Pal and research scholar Bhavya Jaksani, investigated a copper-titanium dioxide photocatalyst and found that its structure continuously evolves during the reaction process. Under sunlight, both copper and titanium sites change their oxidation states, enhancing the catalyst’s ability to produce hydrogen.
The researchers observed that the catalyst becomes more active as its internal structure changes during the reaction. The addition of copper creates tiny defects within the titanium dioxide framework, improving the movement of electrical charges and enabling the material to absorb and utilise solar energy more efficiently. This, in turn, leads to higher hydrogen production.
The study also found that long-term performance depends not only on the catalyst itself but also on external factors such as sunlight intensity and the availability of reaction-promoting substances.
Another significant finding emerged from experiments using natural seawater.
The researchers discovered that other dissolved minerals and ions in seawater also play a crucial role in hydrogen generation. These constituents influence how seawater interacts with the catalyst surface and can significantly affect overall efficiency.
The findings underscore the importance of evaluating photocatalysts under actual reaction conditions rather than treating them as materials with fixed structures. Researchers believe that understanding these dynamic changes will help design more stable, efficient and durable photocatalysts for solar hydrogen production.
The study could contribute to the development of a new generation of low-cost catalysts that eliminate the need for precious metals, making large-scale green hydrogen production more practical and economically viable. The CSIR-IICT team is now working to translate the laboratory findings into solar photoreactor systems for seawater and coastal applications.
“Our study shows that a photocatalyst is not a static material; its structure and defects evolve continuously during the reaction. Understanding and controlling these changes can help build more efficient and scalable seawater-to-hydrogen technologies,” said scientist Ujjwal Pal.
Published – September 04, 2026 07:09 pm IST
