Turning Humidity Into Hydrogen: Stony Brook Mechanical Engineering Research Advances Clean Energy Innovation
A team of researchers at Stony Brook University is working to transform how clean
hydrogen is produced through an innovative technology that can generate hydrogen directly
from moisture in the air.
Led by Dr. Vladimir Samuilov (Principal Investigator), with contributions from Dr. T. Venkatesh, Dr. Dimitris Assanis and Dr. Thomas I. Valdez, the Hydrogen from the Air project is developing a world-first direct humid air electrolyzer designed to overcome major challenges facing traditional hydrogen production. Conventional electrolysis requires significant amounts of purified liquid water and often depends on expensive platinum-group catalysts, limiting its use in remote or water-constrained environments.
The team’s breakthrough approach uses a novel graphdiyne oxide (GDYO) membrane, an advanced two-dimensional carbon material that improves proton conductivity. By enabling more efficient movement of hydrogen ions, the technology increases hydrogen production from water vapor while reducing reliance on costly materials. The ability to produce hydrogen directly from atmospheric humidity could expand clean energy options for locations where access to water and infrastructure is limited.
The project was selected as an inaugural winner of Stony Brook University’s Brook & Beyond entrepreneurship challenge, a program that helps accelerate faculty-led innovations by providing funding, mentorship, and resources to move research discoveries toward commercialization.
Through interdisciplinary research in materials science, energy systems, and engineering, Hydrogen from the Air represents a promising step toward a future where clean hydrogen can be produced more efficiently, sustainably, and in more places around the world.
For more information:
- Brook & Beyond Innovation Challenge: Hydrogen From Air Page
- Celebrating Breakthrough Ideas: Brook & Beyond Highlights Stony Brook Entrepreneurs