Green hydrogen fuel cell production based on silicon from magnesiothermic reduction of geothermal waste silica through the reaction of alkali NaOH with MoS₂ catalyst

Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Diponegoro University, Jl. Prof. Soedarto, SH, UNDIP Tembalang Campus, Semarang, Indonesia 50275

^* Corresponding author: silviana@che.undip.ac.id

Abstract

This paper presents a comprehensive review of silicon-based hydrogen production utilizing geothermal solid waste from PT. Geo Dipa Energi as a sustainable raw material source. The process involves silica purification through acid leaching and sol-gel methods, followed by magnesiothermic reduction at 650°C to synthesize high-purity silicon. The resulting silicon is converted to hydrogen through reaction with sodium hydroxide solution using molybdenum disulfide (MoS₂) as a catalyst. This approach demonstrates significant advantages including lower operational temperatures compared to conventional methods, cost-effective catalyst utilization, and environmentally friendly hydrogen production without greenhouse gas emissions. The methodology addresses both geothermal waste management challenges and sustainable energy production needs, supporting Indonesia's transition toward renewable energy systems while establishing a foundation for circular economy principles in clean energy generation..