Hydrogen – IIT-ISM Researchers Unveil Low-Cost Green Breakthrough
Hydrogen – In a development that could reshape India’s clean energy roadmap, scientists at the Indian Institute of Technology (Indian School of Mines), Dhanbad have engineered a cost-effective electrode material that may drastically cut the expense of producing green hydrogen. The research team claims the innovation can lower catalyst-related costs by up to 400 to 500 times, addressing one of the most pressing challenges in hydrogen fuel generation.
The breakthrough arrives as India intensifies efforts under its National Green Hydrogen Mission, which targets an annual production capacity of five million tonnes of green hydrogen by 2030. The initiative is central to the country’s strategy to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and curb carbon emissions across heavy industries.
Addressing the Cost Barrier in Hydrogen Production
Green hydrogen is generated by splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen using renewable electricity. While the process itself is environmentally sound, the reliance on rare and expensive noble metals such as platinum and ruthenium has kept production costs high.
The IIT-ISM research team, led by Dr. SK Riyajuddin from the Department of Physics, focused on replacing these costly materials with more abundant alternatives. According to the researchers, their newly designed catalyst combines molybdenum disulfide and vanadium sulphide with reduced graphene oxide, creating a system that is both conductive and efficient.
The materials used in this innovation—molybdenum, vanadium, sulphur, and carbon—are significantly more affordable and widely available than precious metals. This shift could make large-scale hydrogen production economically feasible, particularly in developing markets.
Improved Efficiency Through Material Design
Beyond affordability, the research also highlights improved performance. The team reports that the combination of materials produces a strong synergistic effect, lowering the energy required for electrochemical water splitting. Reduced energy demand translates directly into improved efficiency, a key factor in scaling up hydrogen technology.
By minimising the dependence on scarce metals, the development also supports long-term sustainability in supply chains, an issue that has gained increasing attention as countries expand renewable infrastructure.
Demonstrating Solar-to-Hydrogen Integration
In a practical demonstration of their work, the researchers successfully generated green hydrogen using a commercially available silicon solar cell integrated with a water electrolyser. This setup allowed sunlight and water alone to produce hydrogen fuel, showcasing what the team describes as a solar-to-hydrogen pathway.
Dr. Riyajuddin explained that hydrogen labelled as “green” is often produced using electricity derived partly from fossil fuels. By directly coupling solar cells with the electrolysis system, the team ensured that renewable electricity powered the entire process. The researchers refer to this integrated approach as artificial photosynthesis, as it mimics nature’s method of converting sunlight into usable energy.
Economic and Industrial Implications
Currently, green hydrogen production in India costs between Rs 250 and Rs 350 per kilogram. Industry observers note that reducing catalyst expenses could significantly narrow the gap between green hydrogen and conventional fossil fuel-based hydrogen, improving commercial viability.
Green hydrogen is widely regarded as one of the cleanest energy carriers available. When used as fuel, it emits only water vapour as a by-product. Its high energy density makes it suitable for applications in fertiliser production, petroleum refining, chemical manufacturing, and steelmaking—sectors traditionally associated with substantial carbon emissions.
Looking ahead, hydrogen is also expected to play a role in fuel-cell vehicles, clean electricity generation, and high-temperature industrial heating processes. These applications are considered critical for achieving deep decarbonisation in hard-to-abate industries.
Global Recognition and Future Outlook
The findings have been published in the international scientific journal Small (Wiley, 2026), adding global visibility to the research. As nations compete to lead in clean energy technologies, innovations that reduce cost and improve scalability are likely to attract significant attention.
For India, the development strengthens its position in the global renewable energy landscape while supporting its transition toward a low-carbon economy. If successfully scaled, the technology could contribute meaningfully to meeting national climate goals and advancing sustainable industrial growth.