Study points to cheap hydrogen fuel

Low-cost, clean hydrogen fuel could be a step closer, thanks to a discovery by University of Edinburgh scientists

Researchers have uncovered key details about chemical catalysts that use light to break apart water molecules, splitting them into hydrogen - for use as fuel - and oxygen.

The findings will help researchers design efficient photocatalysts that can operate at a range of temperatures, making the production of hydrogen fuel from water cheaper and easier to control.

Clean power: Hydrogen fuel cells work by burning hydrogen to give off heat, which can be converted into energy to power engines.

The process creates water as an end product, making it a clean way to produce energy.

Structural analysis: Researchers made their discovery by bombarding photocatalyst materials with tiny neutron and electron particles.