Penn State scientists have developed a proof-of-concept device that can produce recoverable hydrogen when it splits water, ScienceDaily reported.

"This is a proof-of-concept system that is very inefficient. But ultimately, catalytic systems with 10 to 15 percent solar conversion efficiency might be achievable," said Thomas E. Mallouk, the DuPont professor of Materials Chemistry and Physics. "If this could be realized, water photolysis would provide a clean source of hydrogen fuel from water and sunlight."

Currently, solar cells produce electricity from visible light at efficiencies of greater than 10 percent; solar hydrogen cells have been limited.

The U.S. Department of Energy is helping to fund the research that could make solar power even more efficient and productive.