Self-assembly of organic molecules opens a new path to green hydrogen production

Researchers at the Centre for Nano and Soft Matter Sciences (CeNS), Bengaluru, have developed a sustainable, metal-free approach for solar-driven green hydrogen production by integrating a naturally occurring amino acid, aspartic acid, with a light-absorbing organic molecule, perylene diimide (PDI). Through supramolecular self-assembly in water, these molecules organize into highly ordered two-dimensional nanosheets. This self-assembly broadens light absorption, enhances charge separation, reduces energy losses, and increases the accessible surface area, generating nearly 18% higher photocurrent during solar-driven water splitting compared to its bulk counterpart.