The vision of Hydragon

Hydragon unites world-leading research teams across water science, solar energy, and green hydrogen—bridging continents, disciplines, and ideas to transform hydrogen production.

Our mission: The ultimate goal of the project is the fabrication of an efficient photoelectrochemical cell device using direct sunlight irradiation for efficient hydrogen production.

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Consortium Partners

Coordinator:
IMDEA Energy Foundation
Partner 2:
Korea Institute of Science and Technology
Partner 3:
Jeonbuk National University
Partner 4:
SAMWHAN CO., LTD
Partner 5:
Istanbul Technical University
Partner 6:
Charles University

Consortium Map

Click markers to learn more about each partner institution.

People

Meet the coordinator and partners of the Hydragon Consortium.

Dr. Patricia Horcajada
Dr. Patricia Horcajada
Coordinator
IMDEA Energy Institute (Spain)
Prof. Dr. Dong Ick Son
Prof. Dr. Dong Ick Son
Partner
Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST)
Prof. Yong-Ho Ra
Prof. Yong-Ho Ra
Partner
Jeonbuk National University (South Korea)
Dr. YounJae Hong
Dr. JaeHong Youn
Partner
SAMWHAN
Dr. Mehmet Suha Yazıcı
Dr. Mehmet Suha Yazıcı
Partner
Istanbul Technical University (Turkey)
Dr. Pavla Eliášová
Dr. Pavla Eliášová
Partner
Charles University (Czech Republic)
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Research Themes

Unique composite materials

Designing new composites by combination of semiconducting MOFs, perovskites, metal oxides and gallium nitride materials for unprecedented material synergy, maximizing activity (STH efficiency/energy transfer) and long-term stability.

Non-precious metal co-catalysts

Exploration of MXenes as non-precious metal co-catalysts, replacing expensive Au, Pt, Pd or less sustainable Ni, Co materials, to improve charge separation and reduce electron-hole recombination.

Carbon textiles as highly conductive supports

Carbon textiles represent an outstanding choice from every perspective - technologically, economically, and sustainability - allowing scalable and sustainable solar-driven hydrogen production.

Phthalocyanines & Porphyrins as Dual Agents

First use of metalated and non-metalated phthalocyanines and porphyrins as both photosensitisers and MOF-ligands to enhance PEC H2 production

Design of new efficient tandem cells for hydrogen production

Development of robust, cost-effective tandem cell devices enabling overall water splitting (OWS) reactions.

Expanding the Photocathode Library

Broader investigation of semiconducting materials and co-catalysts to diversify and improve photocathodes, beyond the current reliance on precious-metals.

Latest News & Events

Introducing HYDRAGON: A Global Project for Green Hydrogen
2025-08-14

We are thrilled to announce the official launch of the HYDRAGON project! HYDRAGON ("From Light to Energy: Synergetic Multifunctional ...)

HYDRAGON Teams Launch Collaboration on Solar & Green Hydrogen
2025-08-14

We’re excited to share that HYDRAGON project teams have begun working together, uniting expertise and passion for solar energy and green hydrogen. In July, all partners will gather for our official kick-off meeting.

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