Advancements in Green Hydrogen Production Using Electrolysis Technology
Key Ideas
- Researchers from Nankai University in China and the University of the Basque Country in Spain have collaborated to develop a highly efficient hydrogen evolution catalyst for green hydrogen production.
- The catalyst can operate for over 1,000 hours at high current densities, meeting commercial application requirements, and offering a more cost-effective alternative to platinum-based materials.
- The research focuses on anion exchange membrane (AEM) hydrogen production technology, combining the advantages of alkaline water electrolysis and proton exchange membrane electrolysis, aiming for high efficiency and low cost.
- The team's success in achieving stable performance at industrial-grade current densities is a significant step towards large-scale commercial application of green hydrogen production technology.
Recent advancements in the field of green hydrogen production have been made through the collaborative efforts of Professor Luo Jingshan’s team at Nankai University in China and Professor Federico Calle-Vallejo’s team at the University of the Basque Country in Spain. The researchers have developed a highly efficient hydrogen evolution catalyst through the interaction of metal carriers, enabling stable operation for more than 1,000 hours at high current densities. This breakthrough, published in Nature Communications, signifies significant progress in the field of electrocatalytic water decomposition for hydrogen production.
The catalyst, using ruthenium as a substitute for platinum, demonstrates excellent performance at lower costs, making it a promising option for commercial applications. The focus of the research lies in anion exchange membrane (AEM) hydrogen production technology, which combines the benefits of alkaline water electrolysis and proton exchange membrane electrolysis, offering high efficiency, low cost, and quick start-stop capabilities.
Zhao Jia, the first author of the paper, highlighted the achievement of energy efficiencies of over 70% at different current densities, with the technology proving stable even at industrial-grade current densities of 5 amperes per square centimeter. This development paves the way for large-scale commercial utilization of AEM hydrogen production technology.
Professor Luo Jingshan emphasized the team's commitment to further research in green hydrogen production, aiming to contribute to the establishment of a zero-carbon, low-cost, and reliable green hydrogen energy supply system. Their dedication to advancing sustainable energy solutions showcases a positive outlook for the future of hydrogen technology.