Researchers at the University of Cambridge have developed a device that addresses both plastic pollution and hydrogen production using sunlight. As hydrogen demand increases, the majority of current hydrogen production relies on natural gas, which contributes to environmental concerns. The new device breaks down plastic waste, converting it into hydrogen in a sustainable manner.
This innovative solution builds on the team’s previous work on a solar-powered reactor that utilized expensive semiconductor catalysts, which limited scalability. The new device is larger, easier to produce, and employs a cost-effective paint sprayer method to apply light-absorbing materials and catalysts. Tested outdoors, the reactor efficiently extracts hydrogen from plastic bottles and plant biomass. While the production method is now more affordable, the hydrogen generated remains too costly, necessitating improvements in reactor efficiency and durability. The findings are outlined in the journal *Nature Chemical Engineering*.