New twist for electrodes boosts hydrogen production

chiral hydrogen electrode SEM

Source: American Chemical Society

Conductive chiral polymer increases process’ efficiency by selecting the ‘right’ electrons

An electrode with a coating that can ‘filter’ electrons based on their spins can substantially boost hydrogen production from water splitting. Scientists have spent decades trying to master the challenge of producing hydrogen by splitting water via photoelectrolysis. However, studies often come across two major problems: the process needs high voltages and produces reactive byproducts such as hydrogen peroxide.