A research project led by Karthik Shankar from the U of A's Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering has developed an innovative method to produce hydrogen by splitting water molecules using semiconductor catalysts and sunlight. By utilizing carbon nitride derived from urea and a titanium dioxide catalyst, the process forms a semiconductor heterojunction that prevents recombination of quasi-particles, enabling the creation of hydrogen and oxygen from sunlight. This approach offers a more efficient and cost-effective means of producing hydrogen compared to traditional photovoltaics coupled with electrolysis. Shankar's technology overcomes the limitations of traditional solar cells by capturing diffuse light from any angle, functioning even on cloudy days. Additionally, the use of hydrogen as an energy store addresses the challenge of energy storage in solar power systems. Carbon nitride's environmental advantages, including its abundance, resilience, and thermal stability, make it a promising alternative to silicon-based solar panel technology. The research collaboration between U of A and the Technical University of Munich is detailed in their publication in the Journal of the American Chemical Society, showcasing the potential for large-scale commercialization within three to five years.