With reference to the BVR-19 photocatalyst, consider the following statements: 1. BVR-19 is a metal-organic framework that requires high-temperature conditions to form. 2. Green hydrogen currently costs approximately $1.50 per kilogram. 3. The catalyst utilizes sulfur bonds to eliminate the need for expensive metal catalysts. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

BVR-19 photocatalyst uses sulfur bonds to eliminate expensive metal catalysts for green hydrogen

GS3Economy · S&T · Environment · Security· Nuclear & new energy technology· Prelims· 5 October 2026

Material science in green hydrogen production: a GS3 Science & Technology and Energy Transition case study.

Why in news

Researchers at Oregon State University developed BVR-19, a metal-organic framework photocatalyst that uses sulfur bonds to produce green hydrogen from water without expensive metal catalysts.

Background

BVR-19 is a metal-organic framework that forms spontaneously in aqueous solutions at room temperature. The study highlights that while methane-steam reforming costs $1.50 per kilogram, green hydrogen currently costs approximately $5 per kilogram.

Facts for Prelims

S&TBVR-19: A metal-organic framework (MOF) photocatalyst used for green hydrogen production.
FactMethane-steam reforming cost: $1.50 per kilogram.
FactGreen hydrogen cost: Approximately $5 per kilogram.
S&TBVR-19 utilizes sulfur bonds to eliminate the need for expensive metal catalysts.

Prelims practice question

With reference to the BVR-19 photocatalyst, consider the following statements:

BVR-19 is a metal-organic framework that requires high-temperature conditions to form.
Green hydrogen currently costs approximately $1.50 per kilogram.
The catalyst utilizes sulfur bonds to eliminate the need for expensive metal catalysts.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a)1 only
(b)2 only
(c)3 only
(d)2 and 3 only

Show answer

Answer: (c) 3 only — Statement 3 is correct. Statement 1 is incorrect: It forms spontaneously in aqueous solutions at room temperature. Statement 2 is incorrect: Green hydrogen costs around $5 per kilogram.

For Mains

Q. Discuss the technological and economic hurdles in transitioning from methane-steam reforming to green hydrogen production in India's energy mix.

Dimensions to cover in your answer

Cost disparity: High production costs of green hydrogen compared to traditional methane-steam reforming.
Material innovation: Reducing reliance on expensive metal catalysts through metal-organic frameworks (MOFs).
Decarbonization trade-offs: Balancing immediate industrial energy needs with long-term climate goals.

Keywords: Green Hydrogen · Photocatalysis · Metal-Organic Frameworks · Decarbonization · Energy Transition

Read the full news →Report a mistake in this note Source: Times of India ↗Also: GS3 · Growth, inflation & macro indicators

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