Technology News

NewHydrogen CEO Steve Hill and Rice University Expert Discuss Technological Advances for Green Hydrogen Production

14 August 2024

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Zaker Adham

In a recent podcast, NewHydrogen, Inc. CEO Steve Hill engaged in a discussion with Dr. Haotian Wang, Associate Professor at Rice University, about the latest advancements in green hydrogen production. Dr. Wang shared insights into his research on nanomaterials and emphasized the importance of durability and scalability in developing new technologies.

 

Dr. Wang highlighted his work on electrochemical methods for carbon capture and conversion into valuable products, as well as the creation of mobile catalytic materials for more efficient water splitting. He noted the current high cost of green hydrogen, approximately $5-6 per kilogram, and the Department of Energy's goal to reduce this to $1 per kilogram by 2030. Achieving this target will require significant technological advancements and supply chain collaborations.

 

Addressing the challenges of using rare metals like iridium in water electrolysis, Dr. Wang pointed out the need for more abundant and cost-effective alternatives that maintain catalytic performance and durability. He also mentioned another type of water electrolyzer that uses low-cost catalyst materials but faces stability issues, which his research aims to resolve.

 

The conversation also covered the difficulties of scaling innovative ideas from the lab to industry. Dr. Wang stressed the importance of collaboration between universities and industry to bridge the gap between academic research and industrial needs. He stated, "For electrolysis to significantly contribute to decarbonizing chemicals and fuels, durability and scalability are crucial."

 

Dr. Haotian Wang, who received his PhD from Stanford University and has held prestigious fellowships and awards, is also the co-founder and chief scientist of Solidec, a company focused on carbon capture and chemical production. His research group at Rice University is dedicated to developing novel nanomaterials for energy and environmental applications.

 

For the full discussion, watch the NewHydrogen Podcast featuring Dr. Wang here.

 

For more information about NewHydrogen, visit NewHydrogen's website.