A team led by RMIT University has developed an experimental invention aimed at turning the high contaminant load in wastewater into an advantage for making green hydrogen, which could help reduce reliance on fresh water resources. By harnessing contaminants present in wastewater, the team's approach accelerates hydrogen production and overcomes the issue of high contaminant levels that typically render wastewater unusable. The innovation involves electrodes with an absorbent carbon surface that attracts metals from wastewater to create stable and efficient catalysts, speeding up the process of splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen. The carbon surface materials are sourced from agricultural waste, contributing to a cost-effective and sustainable approach. The team conducted experiments using wastewater samples and renewable energy to power the water-splitting process, resulting in the separation of water into hydrogen and oxygen. The produced oxygen can be reintegrated into wastewater treatment plants to enhance their efficiency. The device enabled continuous water splitting for 18 days with minimal performance decline. The researchers emphasize the potential for collaborations with industry and government to further develop and implement this technology on a larger scale, addressing pollution reduction and water scarcity while producing green hydrogen. Further research is planned to optimize the catalyst process for commercial use and ensure its efficacy across various types of wastewater. The study titled 'Harnessing wastewater as a catalyst modifier for sustainable hydrogen production' is published in ACS Electrochemistry and highlights the innovative approach of utilizing wastewater as a valuable resource for sustainable hydrogen production.