HyperSolar solar nanoparticles hit 1.1 V

Dec 10, 2013 - US company HyperSolar Inc (OTC:HYSR) said Tuesday its solar nanoparticle technology has reached open circuit voltage of 1.1 V for direct solar hydrogen production.

The company, which is developing a technology for the making of hydrogen using only sunlight and any source of water, in August achieved open circuit voltage of 1.0 V. HyperSolar needs to reach 1.5 volts with its solar nanoparticles so as to be able to split water into hydrogen and oxygen in real-world conditions. The firm is confident that it can do so using a low cost system using inexpensive semi-conductor materials. “The process to make this novel solar cell is equally exciting in that it is a simple solutions-based chemistry process,” said chief executive Tim Young.

HyperSolar’s research is aimed at developing a low-cost and submersible hydrogen production particle to split water molecules under the sun, emulating the core functions of photosynthesis. Each particle is a complete hydrogen generator that contains a novel high-voltage solar cell bonded to chemical catalysts by a proprietary encapsulation coating.

Two weeks ago HyperSolar said it was examining different commercial methods for the production of hydrogen close to distribution points or fuelling stations. The company explained that its efforts have been prompted by announcements by many major car makers, such as Toyota Motor Corp (TYO:7203) and Hyundai Motor Co (KRX:005380), that they are to start shipping hydrogen fuel cell vehicles in 2014.

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