First-Ever Air Electrolyzers

A team of Australian science researchers at the University of Melbourne created the world's first Direct Air Electrolyzer (DAE) that can directly electrolyze hydrogen from open air. This device is excellent for energy creation, particularly as hydrogen power becomes more commonplace across architecture and the automotive industry. Additionally, Australia is a country with particularly dry air, so it is exceptional that the researchers stated the DAE works even in air conditions with humidity as low as 4%.

Previously, easy hydrogen production required a consistent water supply, meaning countries without a solid access to water were essentially barred from hydrogen energy. However, given that this DAE works essentially anywhere, regions with minimal water such as Africa, the Middle East, and Asia, could also consistently access hydrogen energy for research and development purposes.

In terms of its production capacity, the researchers stated that the device outputs 3.7 cubic meters of high-purity hydrogen per day, per square meter.

Image Credit: University of Melbourne