HyperSolar Inc (OTCMKTS:HYSR) Making A Comeback

Shares of HyperSolar Inc (OTCMKTS:HYSR) are finally starting to make a comeback after announcing that it recently was able to improve the photocurrents achievable from its proprietary nanostructured solar cell materials for hydrogen production by approximately 100%. This is the type of news Mr Market was waiting to hear. We told readers last month that HYSR was hoping for a comeback, but needed some big news to do so. Now we have something to work off of.HyperSolar describes itself as "developing a breakthrough, low cost technology to make renewable hydrogen using sunlight and any source of water, including seawater and wastewater. Unlike hydrocarbon fuels, such as oil, coal and natural gas, where carbon dioxide and other contaminants are released into the atmosphere when used, hydrogen fuel usage produces pure water as the only byproduct. By optimizing the science of water electrolysis at the nano-level, our low cost nanoparticles mimic photosynthesis to efficiently use sunlight to separate hydrogen from water, to produce environmentally friendly renewable hydrogen. Using our low cost method to produce renewable hydrogen, we intend to enable a world of distributed hydrogen production for renewable electricity and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles."HyperSolar has previously shown that it could reliably achieve photovoltages exceeding 1.5 Volts, the widely accepted voltage needed for splitting water using sunlight as the sole energy input. With the photovoltage challenge solved, HyperSolar focused its recent efforts on improving the photocurrent. It is now able to achieve a current density of 5 mA cm^-2, or two-thirds of the value needed to achieve the Company's commercialization goal of 10% solar-to-H2 efficiency. By effectively doubling the photocurrents of its solar cell materials, the company is progressing towards a system that may potentially be very economical in a real-world environment for hydrogen production to meet increased market demand. Further development efforts will focus on increasing the long-term stability of the cells within these reactor environments. CEO Tim Young said:

"By optimizing the photocurrents used to produce voltage levels needed to effectively split water molecules, using only earth abundant materials, we are edging closer to our goal of low-cost green hydrogen for commercial use. Our scientific teams, now led by new CTO, Dr. Joun Lee, has continued to drive the milestones and breakthroughs that we believe will represent one of the few, if not the only viable source, for completely renewable and affordable solar hydrogen fuel production."

Dr. Joun Lee is a chemical engineer with over 13 years of research experience developing nano/biomaterials, advanced materials characterization, and energy conversion and storage systems. Dr. Lee will be tasked with overseeing and leading development of HyperSolar's innovative renewable hydrogen production technology. Her current position at the University of Iowa is ideal and paramount to day-to-day operations and advancement, as she can work directly with the scientific team at the University that has been responsible for many of the milestones achieved by the Company over the past year. By committing to the full-time hiring of Dr. Lee, HyperSolar expects to spur technological breakthroughs needed to develop a functional prototype that will demonstrate cost-efficient solar to hydrogen production.Last month, HyperSolar extended its sponsored research agreement with the University of Iowa through April 30, 2017. This relationship has been critical for HyperSolar. Led by Dr. Syed Mubeen, the scientific team at the University of Iowa has spurred development of HyperSolar technology. Recent technological milestones include (1) identifying a simple and low-cost process for the manufacturing of solar hydrogen production cells, (2) developing a proprietary coating made of inexpensive earth abundant materials to protect the solar cells during the hydrogen generation process, and (3) identifying a process to produce renewable hydrogen using a low-cost photocatalyst as opposed to more expensive, platinum-based catalysts. The research team has now turned its focus to further demonstrating capabilities at larger scale.Currently trading with a market cap of $6.8 million, HYSR has been under pressure due to heavy dilution and weak financials. The company can overcome these hurdles by continuing to make advances with its renewable hydrogen technology. This week's news is certainly a step in the right direction. If the company can continue delivering and putting out solid news, we'll see shares continue higher as dip buyers come in and shorts cover. We will be updating Insider Financial as soon as we know more. For continuing coverage on HYSR, sign up for our free newsletter today and get our next hot stock pick!Disclosure: We have no position in HYSR and have not been compensated for this article.