Green hydrogen from waste: ‘Zero-Gap’ tech breakthrough boosts clean fuel production
Scientists at the Korea Institute of Energy Research (KIER) have achieved a major breakthrough in the production of clean hydrogen energy. The team research team has successfully developed and certified a groundbreaking “Zero-Gap” technology for bio-electrochemical cells (BECs).
It has the potential to pave the way for large-scale, cost-effective hydrogen production from organic waste. This breakthrough addresses two critical challenges: the growing need for clean energy sources and the effective management of organic waste.
Dr Jwa Eunjin, the lead researcher, said:
This technological development not only addresses the environmental and economic challenges of processing organic waste in Korea but also represents a significant breakthrough in the high-efficiency production of clean hydrogen energy,
BEC technology harnesses the power of microorganisms to convert organic waste into valuable hydrogen fuel. The microorganisms consume the organic matter in the waste, and this process releases electrons and hydrogen ions, which then combine to produce hydrogen gas.
BEC suffers from limitations
This approach offers a more sustainable and cost-effective alternative to traditional hydrogen production methods, which often rely on fossil fuels and generate significant carbon emissions.
The scientists in a press release, said:
By operating at low temperatures and emitting significantly less carbon dioxide, BEC technology aligns with global decarbonization goals,
However, as BEC systems increase in size, the longer pathways for electrochemical reactions lead to higher internal resistance and reduced efficiency.
“This limitation poses a significant barrier to large-scale commercialization, highlighting the need for further technological advancements to improve system efficiency and scalability,” added the press release.
The research team has introduced a groundbreaking “Zero-Gap” technology to overcome this limitation. This innovative design minimizes the distance between the cell’s electrodes and separator, optimizing reaction efficiency and electron transfer.
The press release, says:
This advancement resolves longstanding power loss challenges in conventional processes, offering a transformative pathway toward large-scale, cost-effective hydrogen production,
Confirmed effectiveness and pilot-scale success
What sets KIER’s Zero-Gap technology apart is its unique design, which ensures consistent performance even in large-scale systems.
Conventional zero-gap structures often struggle with pressure imbalances as systems grow larger. This can create gaps between components and lead to drops in efficiency. KIER’s design avoids this problem, maintaining optimal performance regardless of system size.
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Green hydrogen from waste: ‘Zero-Gap’ tech breakthrough boosts clean fuel production, source
