Scientists at RMIT University have developed a method to harness heavy metals and other contaminants in wastewater to boost green hydrogen production, potentially addressing both water scarcity and clean energy challenges simultaneously. The technology transforms what has traditionally been an environmental liability into a catalyst for sustainable fuel generation.

The research, published in ACS Electrochemistry, demonstrates how platinum, chromium, nickel and other metals naturally present in wastewater can be captured and repurposed to accelerate the water-splitting process that produces hydrogen. This approach eliminates the need for expensive purification steps typically required for hydrogen production.