The firm, along with University of California in Santa Barbara, has applied for a patent for a ‘method of manufacture of multi-junction artificial photosynthetic cells’.
HyperSolar CEO Tim Young said: "As we work with our partners, the University of Iowa and University of California, Santa Barbara, to scale our process for producing completely renewable, or ‘green hydrogen’ at or near the point of distribution, HyperSolar will only become more prominent.
"This patent ensures that we not only protect our technology, but also allows us to facilitate licensing efforts as we progress towards commercialization."
The technology is based on a low-cost, submersible hydrogen production particle which facilitates splitting of water molecules using sunlight like an artificial photosynthesis process.
The high voltage multi-junction solar cell made from a single material, does not use any other external systems or resources and is thus a low cost option for the production of hydrogen.
Tests for the technology required 1.5 volts for splitting of water molecules into hydrogen and oxygen.
The ‘green hydrogen’ produced from water will be comparatively economic to that produced from natural gas (brown hydrogen), HyperSolar said.
Licensing opportunities for the technology are expected to be formed through industry applications, including car charging stations, retail distribution centers, and facilities purchasing hydrogen from nearby locations.
