UNSW-led recycling and clean energy innovation program unveils first projects

Vecor Technologies is exploring advanced materials research and systems for hydrogen generation as part of the TRaCE program.

This includes research into improved processes for producing hydrogen from seawater, as a valuable resource for commercially viable renewable hydrogen generation.

Current technologies for hydrogen production using seawater require the use of expensive membranes to separate dissolved ions from seawater and produce pure water before splitting can take place.

Using dedicated research laboratories established by Vecor for research and product development in this field, UNSW’s Professor Charles Sorrell, Dr Yue Jiang, Associate Professor Pramod Koshy and Dr Sajjad Mofarah have developed novel catalytic materials for seawater splitting providing a safer means of hydrogen production.

Their process avoids the creation of highly toxic and corrosive chlorine gas ‒ previously a major disincentive into research into seawater splitting ‒ and also the generation of oxygen, preventing the danger of hydrogen and oxygen forming an explosive mixture.

“With the demand for hydrogen as a clean-burning energy resource growing exponentially, developing a competitive technical solution to seawater splitting will benefit the environment while creating jobs and investment opportunities for Australian and international energy providers,” said CEO Mark Ramsey, whose expansion into the clean and renewable energy sector is supported by the Trailblazer for Recycling and Clean Energy.