26 أغسطس 2026 01:26 صباحًا | آخر تحديث: 26 أغسطس 01:42 2026
In a groundbreaking development, a research team from the United Arab Emirates University has engineered an innovative green catalyst designed for hydrogen production. This catalyst creatively utilises local resources, combining desert sand, biochar derived from date pits, and nickel.
Research Breakthrough in Hydrogen Production
The study detailing this significant advancement was published in the Journal of Alloys and Compounds, a scientific journal under Elsevier. Researchers affiliated with the departments of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering, along with the Chemistry department at the University, collaborated with Abu Dhabi Polytechnic on this research. Their findings highlighted an optimal formulation comprising 15% nickel, 42.5% desert sand, and 42.5% biochar.
Enhanced Performance and Surface Area
This novel catalyst formulation not only demonstrated a high capacity for hydrogen absorption but also exhibited an excellent distribution of nickel. Remarkably, it provided a substantial increase in surface area compared to traditional catalysts reliant solely on sand and nickel. Such enhancements mark a significant stride towards utilising agricultural waste and readily available local materials for clean energy applications.
Paving the Way for Clean Energy Solutions
The implications of this research extend beyond hydrogen production; it presents a viable pathway for the sustainable use of local resources in energy solutions. By transforming agricultural by-products into valuable scientific materials, the research aligns with global efforts to promote clean and renewable energy strategies.