By using a special pair of photocatalysts and adding a small amount of iron, the water can be completely dissociated, and hydrogen can be generated in quantities up to 10 times greater than current processes.

The innovation represents a step forward in the quest to make hydrogen for fuel cells using only water and sunlight, without any need for fossil fuels.

The two photocatalysts are bismuth vanadate and strontium titanate with added rhodium. The strontium titanate is also surface-coated with ruthenium.

When combined, the two photocatalysts can absorb light in wavelengths as great as 520 nanometers. Harnessing more of the light spectrum for the dissociation of water yields more hydrogen. The iron assists in the exchange of electrons, helping to completely dissociate the water molecules.

In one experiment, 50mg of each photocatalyst and around 0.3mg of iron were added to 120ml of water. The water was then exposed to a light source simulating sunlight. The yield was equivalent to 180ml of hydrogen per hour per square meter of area exposed to the light source.