Paper releasing hydrogen under solar irradiation. Image credit: University of Cambridge

A simple photocatalytic process devised at University of Cambridge, UK, converts unprocessed biomass to hydrogen under ambient conditions. The technology could represent a viable alternative to high-temperature gasification and other renewable means of hydrogen production.

Conversion of lignocellulose, the main component of plant biomass, to hydrogen has conventionally required high-temperature gasification process. In the new approach, catalytic nanoparticles are added to alkaline water in which biomass is suspended and placed in front of a solar light source or laboratory light which mimics solar light. The semiconducting cadmium sulfide quantum dot-containing solution absorbs this light, converting the biomass into gaseous hydrogen which can then be collected from the headspace.

The produced hydrogen is free of fuel-cell inhibitors, such as carbon monoxide, which allows it to be used for power.

The system was demonstrated to reform different types of biomass, including wood and paper.