Innovative Nickel-based Electrolyser Advances Hydrogen Production Efficiency
Key Ideas
- Research teams in Germany have developed an alkaline membrane (AEM) electrolyser using nickel compounds without iridium, achieving high hydrogen production efficiency comparable to PEM electrolysers.
- Operando measurements at BESSY II in Berlin provided insights into the catalytic processes, revealing a competitive gamma phase in the new catalyst that mirrors iridium's efficiency.
- The study improves understanding of fundamental catalysis mechanisms and introduces a scalable membrane electrode coating method, showing promise for industrial application and high efficiency in hydrogen production.
- A functional laboratory cell using the new technology has already been successfully tested, highlighting the potential for a highly efficient AEM water electrolyser in the future.
Hydrogen's significance in the future energy landscape is evident, with its prospects as an energy storage medium and fuel being increasingly recognized. The article discusses the development of an innovative alkaline membrane (AEM) electrolyser in Germany, specifically in Berlin and Freiburg. This electrolyser, utilizing nickel compounds without the need for iridium, has demonstrated high hydrogen production efficiency comparable to proton-conducting membrane (PEM) electrolysers. The research teams involved, including institutions like TU Berlin and HZB, emphasized the importance of utilizing green methods to produce hydrogen, such as electrolysis with renewable energy sources like solar or wind power. Through operando measurements at the BESSY II facility in Berlin, insights into the catalytic processes were obtained, highlighting a competitive gamma phase in the new catalyst. This breakthrough not only improves understanding of the fundamental catalysis mechanisms but also introduces a scalable membrane electrode coating method that shows promise for industrial scalability and efficiency. The successful testing of a laboratory cell using this technology further underscores the potential for a highly efficient AEM water electrolyser. The study paves the way for further industrial evaluation and represents a significant step towards a more sustainable hydrogen economy.