As we came to the end date of the MOF2H2 project, we would like to present you several reflections from members of our consortium.
These articles provide insights into project’s path, progress, and its outcomes. The participants describe the scientific ambitions that drove MOF2H2, and how these ambitions successfully translated into concrete results.
As our first contributor, we are happy to share with you an account from our Spanish partner the Technical University of Valencia (Universitat Politècnica de València), UPV.
Scientific ambition: What made MOF2H2 worth pursuing
Colleagues from UPV appreciate that MOF2H2’s ambition aimed to clearly demonstrate overall water splitting using non-noble metal-organic-framework (MOF) materials and to transform a promising laboratory concept into a functional outdoor prototype. The combination of a patented MOF platform, co-catalyst strategies, and advanced characterisation offered a realistic path toward large scale solar hydrogen production, strongly aligned with their background in photocatalysis and reactor development.
UPV’s contribution: Roles, results, and concrete outputs
They have actively participated in majority of the Work Packages (WP): 1,2 3,4,5 (Leader), 7 and 8. UPV has been responsible of deliverables D2.2 (co-deposition on the first-generation MOF) and D5.2 (performance of the final prototypes) Concretely, UPV’s contribution focused on hydrogen generation testing, photocatalytic performance evaluation, and the construction and validation of a full 1 m² outdoor prototype. This allowed them to assess materials under real sunlight, optimised film deposition, ensured safe gas handling, and contributed to performance monitoring and system integration. Additionally, UPV also supported communication and scientific dissemination activities.
Partners from Valencia provided complete photocatalytic evaluations, including activity, stability, and gas quality measurements. UPV developed and validated a fully operational 1 m² prototype under natural sunlight and generated experimental feedback essential for improving material performance, durability, and synthesis scalability. Thanks to their experience, they could contribute to environmental and economic assessments through experimentally grounded data.
Lessons learned: Challenges, growth, and organisational impact
The main challenge UPV faced was leakage and long-term degradation of the original polycarbonate cells when they were exposed to sunlight. Such exposition compromised prototype’s integrity and stability. The problem was solved by developing new borosilicate-based cells, which offered excellent sealing, high optical transparency, and resistance to UV and thermal stress. Their solution has enabled reliable long duration outdoor operationality.
In sum, the project strengthened UPV’s capabilities in building and evaluating solar-driven photocatalytic systems. They improved their expertise in advanced characterisation, outdoor hydrogen production testing, and safe operation of gas generating devices. Moreover, implication in MOF2H2 project broadened their international collaborations and enhanced their integration of sustainability assessments into research workflows.
“The project’s key contribution is the upscaling of overall water splitting. We have successfully transformed small laboratory reactors into a fully functional 1 m² prototype operating under natural solar irradiation.“
What comes next: building on MOF2H2’s legacy
The project represents a significant step in heterogeneous photocatalysis, moving from small, stirred suspension laboratory reactors to a continuous flow prototype where the catalyst is deposited as a film. This demonstrates that MOF based photocatalysts can operate reliably under real outdoor conditions and sets the foundation for future scalable solar hydrogen technologies.
The project’s key contribution is the upscaling of overall water splitting. UPV’s researchers successfully transformed small laboratory reactors into a fully functional 1 m² prototype operating under natural solar irradiation, demonstrating continuous and stable performance for more than three months. This achievement shows that MOF based photocatalysts can move beyond benchtop experiments towards a real-world hydrogen production.
To build on the project’s legacy, UPV plan to develop next generation 1 m² prototypes, improving the efficiencies obtained so far and advancing the technology beyond its current demonstration stage. These developments will help push the technology above TRL 4, progressing toward larger scale validation and broader applications.
At the moment, UPV’s priority is to improve photocatalytic efficiency at the laboratory scale, using setups that can replicate prototype conditions. Demonstrating a match between lab and outdoor prototype efficiencies is crucial to further advance in their research and its real-world application. This alignment enables confident scaling, supports validation at the 1 m² level, and paves the way toward TRL 6–7 in future development phases.
Key recommendation and advice to organisations wishing to build up on MOF2H2
For anyone who would be exploring this field of inquiry beyond MOF2H2, it is essential for them to standardise laboratory photocatalytic experiments to ensure full reproducibility. Reliable and well controlled lab protocols allow a smooth and efficient transition to prototype scale, ensuring that materials and operating conditions are optimised before outdoor deployment and facilitating future industrial development.
