Researchers Turn Acid From Car Batteries Into Clean Hydrogen Fuel

A new solar-powered process could help recycle plastic waste while generating a renewable energy source.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 4:10pm

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A highly structured abstract painting in muted earth tones, featuring sweeping geometric arcs, concentric circles, and precise botanical spirals, conceptually representing the chemical process of using spent car battery acid to break down plastic waste and produce clean hydrogen fuel.A new solar-powered process transforms discarded car battery acid into a renewable source of clean hydrogen fuel, providing a circular solution to two major waste problems.Cambridge Today

Researchers from the University of Cambridge have developed a novel method to use the spent acid from car batteries to break down plastic waste and generate clean hydrogen fuel. The process, called 'solar-powered acid photoreforming,' uses a specialized photocatalyst that can withstand the corrosive acid and transform the plastic waste into hydrogen and acetic acid when exposed to sunlight. The researchers say this 'circular system' could provide a new way to recycle plastic while also producing a renewable energy source.

Why it matters

Plastic waste is a major environmental problem, with only 9% of all plastic ever produced being recycled. Meanwhile, the acid from discarded car batteries is typically just neutralized and disposed of. This new process could help address both issues by turning these waste streams into valuable resources.

The details

The researchers developed a photocatalyst that can withstand the corrosive acid and break down plastic waste into substances like ethylene glycol. When exposed to sunlight, the photocatalyst further transforms this mixture into hydrogen and acetic acid. Testing showed the catalyst remained active for over 260 hours without significant performance decline.

  • The study was published in the journal Joule on April 6, 2026.

The players

Erwin Reisner

The senior author of the study and a chemical engineer at the University of Cambridge.

Kay Kwarteng

The lead author of the study and a PhD student at the University of Cambridge.

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What they’re saying

“We used to think acid was completely off-limits in these solar-powered systems, because it would simply dissolve everything. But our catalyst developed didn't, and suddenly a whole new world of reactions opened up.”

— Erwin Reisner, Senior Author and Chemical Engineer

“The acid is an untapped resource. If we can collect the acid before it's neutralized, we can use it again and again to break down plastics; it's a real win-win, avoiding the environmental cost of neutralizing the acid while putting it to work generating clean hydrogen.”

— Kay Kwarteng, Lead Author and PhD Student

What’s next

The researchers say more experiments are needed to ensure the reactors can withstand long-term use without wearing out. They also note the method is meant to complement, not replace, conventional recycling efforts.

The takeaway

This innovative process demonstrates how waste can be transformed into valuable resources. By repurposing spent car battery acid to break down plastic and generate clean hydrogen fuel, the researchers have found a promising way to address two major environmental challenges simultaneously.