11:13 pm - February 15, 2026
Sharjah, UAE: Researchers at the University of Sharjah have created a novel electrode enabling efficient, desalination-free hydrogen production directly from seawater, offering a sustainable, water-scarce-friendly method with 98% Faradaic efficiency, opening new possibilities for solar-powered coastal hydrogen farms in the UAE and beyond.
Researchers from the University of Sharjah have announced a groundbreaking technological advancement capable of producing clean hydrogen fuel directly from seawater without the need for desalination. In a study published in the journal Small, they detail the creation of a novel electrode design that facilitates this extraction efficiently and sustainably, representing a significant leap in hydrogen production methods.
Dr. Tanveer Ul Haq, the study’s lead author and Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemistry, stated that this new technology successfully extracts hydrogen without requiring the removal of mineral salts commonly found in seawater. Traditional hydrogen production methods rely on freshwater, a resource that is increasingly scarce in arid regions, making this new approach particularly vital. As Dr. Ul Haq explained, “We developed a novel, multi-layered electrode that can extract hydrogen directly from seawater efficiently and sustainably.”
The major innovation lies in the specially engineered electrode, which creates a protective microenvironment that enhances its durability against the corrosive elements present in seawater. “This electrode can resist damage while boosting performance,” Dr. Ul Haq added. The researchers claim that their system operates at a geometric current density of 1 A cm⁻² at a relatively low overpotential of 420 mV, achieving a Faradaic efficiency of 98%. This extraordinary efficiency implies that nearly all electrical input is converted into hydrogen gas, making the system not only effective but also economically viable for large-scale applications.
Hydrogen is increasingly viewed as a pivotal resource in the shift to cleaner energy. The UAE, in particular, stands to benefit from this innovation due to its extensive coastline and abundant sunlight, conditions ideal for solar-powered hydrogen production. The potential for developing large-scale hydrogen farms along the coast could transform the region’s energy landscape while significantly reducing reliance on freshwater resources.
While the development at the University of Sharjah represents a significant advancement, other researchers worldwide are exploring complementary hydrogen production methods from seawater. For instance, researchers at RMIT University have also created a cost-effective and energy-efficient method to produce hydrogen directly from seawater, highlighting the growing momentum in this field. Their approach eliminates traditional desalination requirements, which often incur high costs and significant carbon emissions.
Moreover, initiatives like the SeaHydrogen concept from Wageningen University & Research integrate hydrogen production with the generation of freshwater and valuable minerals, thus addressing some of the environmental impacts associated with conventional desalination. This innovative system utilizes waste heat from electrolyzers, contributing to both sustainable energy production and resource conservation.
Chinese researchers have recently introduced seawater electrolysis systems that purify seawater in situ, providing further evidence of the promising directions in hydrogen production technologies. These approaches tackle the longstanding challenges of chloride ion interference and electrode corrosion by simplifying the process of separating pure water from seawater directly within the electrochemical cell.
As hydrogen technology evolves, the focus on direct seawater electrolysis continues to gain traction. The research team at Sharjah University is already looking ahead to large-scale trials, aiming for outdoor pilot testing of their technology. Dr. Ul Haq expressed optimism about its future applications, stating, “Imagine solar-powered hydrogen farms along the UAE coastline, using seawater and sunlight to produce clean fuel—with zero emissions and minimal resource strain.”
This new method of hydrogen production offers a pathway to a cleaner, more sustainable future. With ongoing projects globally that aim for similar outcomes, the academic and industrial landscapes are buzzing with potential, signalling a transformative era for the green hydrogen economy.
The pursuit of cleaner energy solutions is more crucial than ever, and the journey from seawater to hydrogen fuel seems set to redefine the possibilities of renewable energy in the coming years.
Reference Map
Source: Noah Wire Services
- https://journalofcyberpolicy.com/scientists-hail-new-industrially-viable-technology-that-can-squeeze-hydrogen-from-seawater/ – Please view link – unable to able to access data
- https://www.rmit.edu.au/news/all-news/2023/feb/hydrogen-seawater – Researchers at RMIT University have developed a cost-effective and energy-efficient method to produce hydrogen directly from seawater, eliminating the need for desalination. This approach addresses the challenges of traditional green hydrogen production, which often relies on freshwater and is associated with high costs and carbon emissions. The new method utilizes a special catalyst that operates at room temperature and requires minimal energy, making it scalable and more accessible for large-scale hydrogen production. The study, published in the journal Small, represents a significant advancement in sustainable energy solutions.
- https://www.wur.nl/en/newsarticle/seahydrogen-combining-hydrogen-fresh-water-minerals-and-electricity-production-from-seawater.htm – Wageningen University & Research has introduced the SeaHydrogen concept, an integrated system that produces green hydrogen from seawater while generating pure water, valuable minerals, and electricity. This approach addresses the disadvantages of traditional desalination methods, such as high energy consumption and environmental impact. By utilizing waste heat from electrolyzers, the SeaHydrogen system efficiently produces hydrogen and freshwater, contributing to sustainable energy production and resource conservation. The concept aims to support the Dutch government’s goal of achieving a green hydrogen economy with a production capacity of 8 GW by 2032.
- https://www.chemistryworld.com/news/water-splitting-device-solves-puzzle-of-producing-hydrogen-direct-from-seawater/4016645.article – Chinese researchers have developed a seawater electrolysis system that purifies seawater in situ, enabling direct hydrogen production without desalination. The system uses a liquid–gas–liquid phase transition to generate pure water from seawater within the electrochemical cell, driven by the subsequent electrolysis. This innovative approach addresses the challenges of chloride ion interference and electrode corrosion in traditional seawater electrolysis methods, offering a scalable and efficient solution for producing hydrogen directly from seawater.
- https://www.hydrogen-expo.com/industry-news/researchers-china-revealed-method-producing-hydrogen-seawater-without-desalination – Chinese scientists have unveiled a method for producing hydrogen directly from seawater without the need for desalination. The process involves a waterproof permeable membrane that separates the electrolyzer from the seawater, allowing only pure water vapor to reach the electrolyzer, which then converts it into hydrogen. A prototype installed in Shenzhen Bay produced over 1 million liters of hydrogen over 133 days without a decrease in production, demonstrating the system’s stability and potential for large-scale hydrogen production from seawater.
- https://interestingengineering.com/science/hydrogen-from-seawater-without-desalination – Chinese researchers have developed an offshore platform capable of producing hydrogen directly from seawater without desalination. The platform, known as ‘Dongfu Number One,’ integrates a hydrogen production system with a stable offshore wind power supply, enabling eco-friendly hydrogen production without adverse side effects or pollution. During a 10-day continuous operation, the system maintained an ion rejection rate of over 99.99%, producing hydrogen with at least 99.9% purity, offering a cost-effective solution to current industrial production methods.
- https://maritime-executive.com/article/developing-a-technology-to-produce-hydrogen-from-seawater-or-brine – The startup sHYp, in collaboration with Green Swan, is developing a technology to produce hydrogen from seawater or brine without desalination. The technology, developed by Associate Professor Daniel Esposito at Columbia University, utilizes membraneless electrolyzers to generate hydrogen efficiently and sustainably. This approach eliminates the need for desalination and results in no toxic waste, offering a significant improvement over existing electrolysis technologies. The collaboration aims to commercialize the technology globally, contributing to the advancement of green hydrogen production.
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
9
Notes:
The narrative references recent research from the University of Sharjah published in the journal Small and compares it to other recent developments in 2023 and early 2024, indicating current and ongoing advancements. There are no outdated references such as researchers who have changed roles or passed away. No indication of recycled or old news was found. The content is original reporting on a new technological breakthrough.
Quotes check
Score:
8
Notes:
The key direct quotes from Dr. Tanveer Ul Haq, the study’s lead author, appear original and tied directly to the recent University of Sharjah publication. No earlier online references to these exact quotes were identified, suggesting these quotes likely originate from primary communication or the published study itself, enhancing credibility.
Source reliability
Score:
7
Notes:
The narrative originates from a specialised publication focused on cyberpolicy and technology (journalofcyberpolicy.com). This outlet is less widely known compared to mainstream media but cites credible academic research published in a reputable scientific journal (Small) and corroborates claims with other respected academic institutions and global research groups, lending moderate-to-high reliability.
Plausability check
Score:
9
Notes:
The article’s claims about novel electrode technology for direct seawater hydrogen extraction align well with ongoing global scientific efforts and recent reported advancements. The technical details, such as current density and Faradaic efficiency, are plausible and typical for such research. While large-scale application remains future work, the narrative’s depiction of the technology’s potential and next steps is credible and consistent with current scientific trends.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): HIGH
Summary:
The narrative reports a recent, credible scientific breakthrough with original quotes from a lead researcher and references current related research globally. The technology and claims are plausible within the context of ongoing hydrogen research, and the source, while specialized and less mainstream, anchors the content in peer-reviewed science, resulting in a high-confidence validation.
