OSU scientists create photocatalyst for cheaper green hydrogen

Researchers at Oregon State University developed a metal-organic framework called BVR-19 that uses light to produce hydrogen from water without an expensive metal catalyst. The material forms spontaneously in water at room temperature, and the work was published in JACS.

• BVR-19 relies on sulfur-containing organic linkers instead of costly metals
• The material self-assembles in aqueous solutions at room temperature
• Green hydrogen costs about $5/kg versus $1.50/kg for methane-derived hydrogen
• Findings offer new design rules for solar fuel materials