Researchers have developed an electrolyzer that does not require iridium as an anode material, achieving a record stability of 600 hours. This breakthrough was published in the journal Science in leaf. Current hydrogen production methods rely on fossil fuels and generate carbon dioxide emissions. By using cleaner sources of electricity for water electrolysis, green hydrogen can be produced.
Proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolyzers are commonly used for hydrogen production. However, the use of iridium as a catalyst material poses challenges, as it is a rare element found in low quantities on Earth. Researchers at a Spanish institute sought an alternative to iridium that would be more readily available.
Hydrogen electrolysis occurs in highly acidic environments, where conventional metals tend to dissolve and lose their catalytic properties. Iridium oxide is stable in such environments, making it a popular choice for electrolyzers. Past attempts to use materials like manganese and cobalt oxides as catalysts have not yielded satisfactory results on a large scale.
To address this challenge, researchers at the Instituto de Ciencias Fotónicas (ICFO) developed a cobalt-based catalyst that incorporated the necessary reaction components into its structure using a process called delamination. By replacing part of the material with water, they were able to make the cobalt catalyst more durable. This new catalyst outperformed previous cobalt-based catalysts, setting a new record for stability.
While the catalyst’s performance still falls short of commercially available PEM electrolyzers, the results are promising for finding a viable alternative to iridium. The research team is exploring new structures for different substances and remains optimistic about future advancements in hydrogen production. News about this breakthrough can be found on platforms like Interesting Engineering.