Researchers have engineered a single material that generates clean hydrogen fuel while turning seawater into drinking water using sunlight.
Researchers at Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati have developed a multifunctional MXene based material capable of producing hydrogen fuel through water electrolysis while also supporting solar powered seawater desalination.
The development addresses two pressing challenges: sustainable hydrogen production and access to clean drinking water. Although hydrogen is considered a clean fuel because it produces only water during use, most commercial hydrogen is still derived from fossil fuels. Meanwhile, desalination technologies often remain expensive and energy intensive, limiting wider deployment.
To improve performance, the researchers engineered ultrathin ribbon-like MXene structures that provide a larger active surface area and faster charge transport. They further enhanced the material by introducing ruthenium atoms into oxygen deficient regions, creating more active catalytic sites for hydrogen generation.
The resulting catalyst achieved a hydrogen evolution reaction overpotential of just 12 mV, outperforming commercial platinum carbon electrodes. It also maintained stable performance during extended operation with minimal degradation. According to the team, the material’s strong photothermal conversion properties further improved efficiency under sunlight.
Beyond hydrogen production, the researchers incorporated the material into a floating three dimensional Janus evaporator for desalination. The design concentrates heat at the water surface, reducing energy losses and improving evaporation efficiency.
Under standard sunlight, the system achieved an evaporation rate of approximately 3.2 kilograms per square metre per hour. During five days of continuous saltwater operation, it showed no noticeable salt accumulation. Water quality tests confirmed that the desalinated output met international drinking water standards.
“Two dimensional layered material MXene is a wonder material with multifunctional applications,” says Prof P K Giri, co-author, Department of Physics, IIT Guwahati. He added that the study demonstrates sustainable pathways for both clean hydrogen generation and drinking water production, highlighting the material’s potential for future commercial deployment.
