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KRISS Develops Cost-effective Catalyst for Hydrogen Production

The Korea Research Institute of Standards and Science (KRISS) announced on Oct. 15 a groundbreaking development in the field of hydrogen production. The Advanced Materials Measurement Group at KRISS has successfully developed a high-performance non-precious metal catalyst for anion exchange membrane (AEM) electrolysis, a significant step towards more cost-effective and efficient hydrogen production.

Currently, precious metal catalysts made of platinum (Pt) and iridium (Ir) are predominantly used in AEM electrolysis devices. However, the high cost and rapid corrosion of these materials have been major obstacles, driving up the cost of hydrogen production. In response to this challenge, the KRISS research team has developed a non-precious metal catalyst by combining a trace amount of ruthenium (Ru) with a molybdenum oxide-based (MoO2-Ni4Mo) material.

Molybdenum oxide is known for its high electrical conductivity, but its application as an electrolysis catalyst has been limited due to degradation reactions in an alkaline environment. The research team meticulously analyzed the structure of molybdenum oxide through accelerator experiments and identified that the adsorption of hydroxide ions (OH-) was the primary cause of degradation. To overcome this, they devised a technology to blend ruthenium into the molybdenum oxide material at an optimal ratio. Ruthenium particles, within 3nm in size (one-billionth of a meter), thinly cover the surface of the material, preventing degradation and enhancing durability.

The performance measurements of the developed catalyst revealed remarkable results. It demonstrated four times better durability and more than six times higher activity compared to existing commercial materials. Additionally, when used with perovskite-silicon tandem solar cells, the catalyst achieved a high solar-to-hydrogen conversion efficiency of 22.8%, showcasing its excellent compatibility with renewable energy sources.

One of the most notable features of this new catalyst is its versatility. It can be applied to both freshwater and seawater, producing high-quality hydrogen with high activity and stability even in electrolysis using alkaline simulated seawater. This advancement could significantly reduce the costs associated with desalination, a major expense in the production of green hydrogen.

“Currently, producing green hydrogen requires refined water, but if actual seawater can be used, it can significantly reduce the massive costs needed for desalination. We plan to continue follow-up research,” stated Park Sun-hwa, principal researcher of the Advanced Materials Measurement Group at KRISS.

This research, supported by the KRISS Basic Project, was a collaborative effort involving Professor Jang Ho-won’s team from Seoul National University and Principal Researcher Choi Seung-mok’s team from the Korea Institute of Materials Science. The findings were published in the prestigious journal “Applied Catalysis B: Environmental and Energy,” highlighting the significance of this development in the field of chemical engineering.

The development of this non-precious metal catalyst marks a significant milestone in the pursuit of a hydrogen economy. By reducing the reliance on expensive and rapidly degrading precious metals, this innovation has the potential to lower the costs of hydrogen production, making it a more viable and sustainable energy source. The ability to use seawater for electrolysis further enhances its economic and environmental benefits, paving the way for large-scale hydrogen production and integration with renewable energy sources.

As the world continues to seek sustainable and low-carbon energy solutions, advancements like this from KRISS are crucial. The collaborative efforts of researchers and the publication of their findings in a world-renowned journal underscore the importance of interdisciplinary and inter-institutional research in driving forward the hydrogen economy and the broader transition to renewable energy.

From left, Seoul National University postdoctoral researcher Jeon Sang-eon and KRISS senior researchers Park Seon-hwa, Kwon Ki-chang, and Lee Soo-hyung

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KRISS Develops Cost-effective Catalyst for Hydrogen Production, source

Zhuzhou, Hunan Province, China, October 12, 2024: CRRC Zhuzhou Institute successfully launched the independently developed 2000 Nm³/h electrolyzer, and unveiled a large-scale flexible green hydrogen production equipment solution, which marks a significant milestone in the company's hydrogen energy industry and injects new vitality into the country’s clean energy development and the realization of the "Dual -Carbon" goals. Mr. Li Donglin, Secretary of the Party Committee and Chairman of the company, and Mr. Mei Wenqing, Deputy General Manager, attended the launch ceremony.

The electrolyzer incorporates multiple advanced technologies, boasting industry-leading high current density, ultra-low energy consumption, stable parallel operation, and full automation.

• With a maximum current density of 4000 A/m², the electrolyzer achieves a 40% improvement over traditional electrolyzers;
• With a DC energy consumption of ≤ 4.3 kWh/Nm³, meeting the national Tier 1 energy efficiency standard;
• Featuring a self-developed intelligent control system, the green hydrogen production system can flexibly adjust its output within a range of 25%-110% to accommodate fluctuating renewable energy conditions;
• Offering a solution for minimally or unmanned hydrogen production, the electrolyzer features a real-time monitoring system for cell voltage and temperature, as well as an intelligent operation platform with one-button start/stop and fully automated operation.

CRRC Zhuzhou Institute provides a full range of hydrogen energy solutions, from materials to complete systems, including electrolyzers, separation and purification, control systems, and energy management. CRRC Zhuzhou Institute offers flexible, safe, and efficient green hydrogen production systems, including off-grid solutions.

The advantages of a 2000 Nm³/h electrolyzer for various applications

Compared to the industry-standard 1000 Nm³/h electrolyzer, a 2000 Nm³/h electrolyzer can significantly reduce project costs for a 1GW green hydrogen production plant. By saving over 21,000 square meters of land (equivalent to three football fields), construction costs are reduced by more than 30%. Additionally, the electrolyzer equipment costs are approximately 20% lower, and reduced piping further contributes to a more than 20% reduction in initial investment.

For a 1GW green hydrogen project operating 8,000 hours annually at an electricity price of 0.25 yuan/kWh, the hydrogen production cost adopting CRRC’s electrolyzers is approximately 80 million yuan lower annually compared to products with a specific energy consumption of 4.5 kWh/Nm³. With a 25-year electrolyzer lifespan, the total life cycle cost savings can reach 2 billion yuan.

In the context of China's carbon neutrality goals, green hydrogen production has become a strategic focus. By replacing 5 liters of diesel with 1 kilogram of hydrogen, which reduces carbon dioxide emissions by 15 kilograms, a 1GW green hydrogen project using CRRC Zhuzhou Institute's alkaline electrolyzers can achieve a substantial reduction of 60 million tons of CO2 over a 25-year lifespan.

Source: CRRC Zhuzhou Institite

豊田自動織機は現行車と比べて耐久性を2倍に高め、車両価格を約4分の3に低減した2・5トン積みタイプの燃料電池（FC）フォークリフトを発売した。2022年に発売した1・8トン積みタイプのシステムをベースにしながら、システムコストなどを低減。約3分の水素充填で8時間の連続稼働でき、物流作業の効率性向上に寄与する。 水素の利活用が進む工場や空港などでの普及を見込む。消費税込みの価格は1280万6000円。