New catalyst for renewable energy

Tiny metallic particles which are a super-efficient catalyst in using solar radiation to split water into hydrogen and oxygen have been produced by researchers at the University of Adelaide.

The particles or “clusters” are tiny, about one-quarter of a nanometre in size (less than 10 atoms).

“Efficient and direct production of hydrogen from solar radiation provides a renewable energy source that is the pinnacle of clean energy,” says researcher Greg Metha. “We believe this work will contribute significantly to the global effort to convert solar energy into portable chemical energy.”