Advancing thermochemical water‑splitting processes based on cerium oxide for carbon‑free hydrogen generation — from fundamental redox mechanisms to high‑temperature reactor systems.
The Hydrogen Production Laboratory conducts fundamental and applied research on thermochemical water‑splitting processes based on cerium oxide (CeO₂), focusing on redox mechanisms, material performance, and high‑temperature systems.
Investigation of CeO₂ and doped ceria materials for enhanced redox activity, focusing on oxygen vacancy formation and ionic conductivity optimisation.
Characterisation of oxygen release and uptake kinetics under high‑temperature conditions, enabling precise control of the thermochemical cycle.
Development of thermochemical cycles for solar‑driven or electrically heated reactors, bridging laboratory findings to scalable industrial systems.
Quantitative analysis of hydrogen yield, reaction efficiency, and material stability across multiple cycles to validate performance metrics.
Cerium oxide enables a closed redox loop. Each step is thermodynamically distinct, allowing the material to be regenerated indefinitely while producing hydrogen as the sole reaction product.
Under elevated temperatures, CeO₂ undergoes partial reduction, forming oxygen‑deficient CeO₂₋ₓ and releasing molecular oxygen.
The reduced oxide reacts with steam, regenerating CeO₂ while producing hydrogen as the sole reaction product.
This cycle represents a promising route for sustainable hydrogen generation, particularly when integrated with concentrated solar power or other renewable high‑temperature energy sources.
Our mission is to advance the scientific understanding and technological readiness of ceria‑based thermochemical systems — from atomic‑scale redox mechanisms to pilot‑scale reactor designs — contributing to the global transition toward clean hydrogen technologies.
CeO₂ ceramic foam architectures provide exceptional surface area and structural integrity across repeated high‑temperature thermal cycles — essential for long‑term reactor performance.
Meet the researchers and administrators behind the Cerium Energy Research Group.
We welcome academic collaborations, research partnerships, and inquiries about our thermochemical hydrogen production work. Whether you are a researcher, engineer, or industry partner — reach out to discuss how we can advance clean hydrogen together.
Registered in England and Wales.
Thermochemical Research Division.