KRISS Develops Cost-effective Catalyst for Hydrogen Production
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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