Researchers at the Korea Research Institute of Standards and Science (KRISS) have made substantial progress in enhancing the efficiency and reducing the costs of green hydrogen production by developing a new material. The material, a high-performance base metal catalyst for anion exchange membrane (AEM) water electrolysis, offers a more affordable and superior alternative to precious metal catalysts like platinum and iridium. To address the challenges posed by the high cost and degradation susceptibility of precious metals, the KRISS team introduced ruthenium nanoparticles into a molybdenum dioxide structure, preventing catalyst degradation and enhancing durability. The research, published in Applied Catalysis B: Environmental and Energy, highlights the catalyst's remarkable performance, with four times greater durability and more than six times the activity compared to existing commercial materials. By integrating the catalyst with a perovskite-silicon tandem solar cell, an impressive solar-to-hydrogen efficiency of 22.8% was achieved, indicating strong compatibility with renewable energy sources. Furthermore, the catalyst exhibited high activity and stability in saline water, showcasing its potential to reduce costs associated with desalination. Dr. Sun Hwa Park from KRISS emphasized the possibility of using seawater for green hydrogen production to drive down desalination costs. The collaboration with Seoul National University and the Korea Institute of Materials Science underlines the importance of collective efforts in advancing sustainable and cost-effective hydrogen production. This breakthrough marks a significant step towards the widespread commercialization of green hydrogen, offering a promising solution for a more sustainable energy future.