Dr. Woohyun Kim's research team at the Korea Institute of Energy Research has made a significant breakthrough in hydrogen production by developing an innovative nickel-cobalt composite catalyst. This catalyst is aimed at accelerating the production and commercialization of turquoise hydrogen, a clean hydrogen technology that decomposes methane without generating carbon dioxide emissions. The Korean government's commitment to a hydrogen economy by 2050 has spurred active research in hydrogen production methods that reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The newly developed catalyst overcomes the limitations of existing catalysts by enabling higher efficiency hydrogen production at lower temperature ranges. By incorporating cobalt into a nickel-based catalyst, the team achieved a composition that increased hydrogen productivity by over 50% compared to previous catalysts, even at a low temperature of 600°C. The catalyst also exhibited prolonged initial activity duration, indicating enhanced performance. Furthermore, the team observed the formation of carbon nanotubes during the reaction on the catalyst surface, opening opportunities for the production of valuable carbon materials alongside hydrogen. Dr. Kim emphasized the economic efficiency and productivity achieved through this research, highlighting the potential for simultaneous hydrogen and carbon nanotube production. Future plans include further research to optimize mass production technology, performance evaluations, and securing core material technology for hydrogen production. The research, supported by the Korea Institute of Energy Research, was published in a prestigious chemical engineering journal, showcasing its impact and contribution to advancing clean energy technologies.