HyperSolar has disclosed certain details of its proposal for the development of first-of-its-kind nanotechnology-based, zero-carbon process for manufacturing renewable natural gas and hydrogen.
HyperSolar’s inexpensive nanotechnology method produces hydrogen from wastewater by sophistically engineering the reaction kinetics. The HyperSolar nanoparticles act as one-way machines, which generate pure hydrogen and clean water by detoxifying wastewater in the presence of sunlight. Since the technology eliminates the need of other energy source, it is a highly economical and commercially feasible method for manufacturing zero-carbon, renewable hydrogen.
HyperSolar anticipates introducing a powerful prototype in the beginning of 2013. The company has set key milestones during 2012 to direct the development team’s efforts, including a proof-of-concept microparticle for manufacturing hydrogen utilizing traditional photovoltaic components, feedstock potential analysis of various wastewater sources, a complete photoreactor prototype for manufacturing sustained hydrogen, and nanoparticle design utilizing inexpensive semiconducting materials.
After the optimization of the hydrogen nanoparticles, the process of manufacturing a renewable natural gas by reacting carbon dioxide with hydrogen is relatively simple. HyperSolar’s two-stage process will facilitate the production of hydrogen and natural gas, the two important global commodities. Recently, the company and the University of California, Santa Barbara have inked a yearlong sponsored research deal to ramp up the development process and to ensure that key milestones are achieved.
According to Tim Young, who serves as Chief Executive Officer at HyperSolar, using low-cost reactors and a negative value feedstock like wastewater, the company’s artificial photosynthesis process of generating hydrogen will be cost efficient.