#South Korea #Seoul #Green Hydrogen #Hydrogen Production #Dongguk University

Innovations in Green Hydrogen Production by Dongguk University

In recent years, the demand for sustainable energy sources has driven significant advancements in hydrogen production techniques. Dongguk University in South Korea has made a groundbreaking contribution in this area, developing a novel method to synthesize metal-single atom catalysts (M-SACs) that dramatically improve the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of hydrogen production through electrolysis.

Hydrogen is increasingly recognized as a clean energy carrier due to its high calorific value and potential for net zero carbon emissions. One of the leading methods for producing hydrogen is proton-exchange-membrane water electrolysis (PEMWE), which offers high purity hydrogen as the end product while only emitting oxygen as a by-product. When powered by renewable energy sources, PEMWE could play a pivotal role in sustainable hydrogen production.

Recognizing the limitations of traditional catalysts, which often aggregate and lose efficiency during the electrolysis process, a team led by Assistant Professor Jitendra N. Tiwari and Professor Young-Kyu Han devised an innovative synthesis method for M-SACs. Their research, published in the journal Materials Science and Engineering R, showcases a two-step high-temperature heat-treatment process using metal hydroxides as sacrificial templates to enhance catalytic activity and durability by preventing metal atom aggregation.

The Synthesis Process

The researchers employed β-nickel hydroxide (β-Ni(OH)₂) as a template and synthesized platinum (Pt)-based single atom catalysts known as β-PtSAsS800 and β-PtSAsS850 through pyrolysis in a nitrogen atmosphere at temperatures of 800°C or 850°C. This method restricts the mobility of metal ions while dicyandiamide adds essential carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) for optimal structural support. The resulting catalysts consist of single Pt atoms that are atomically dispersed on graphitic nanosheets, leading to enhanced performance with an extraordinarily low overpotential of just 15 millivolts—significantly lower than that of standard commercial Pt/C catalysts.

Impressive Performance and Practical Implications

These newly developed catalysts demonstrated remarkable catalytic performance, with the β-PtSAsS850 catalyst achieving turnover frequencies 72–78 times higher than conventional catalysts. Not only did this catalyst maintain its performance over 10 consecutive days of testing, but it also exceeded U.S. Department of Energy's 2026 target, indicating its strong potential for industrial application.

The theoretical models and experiments conducted indicated that the superior performance could be attributed to the PdN2 catalytic sites embedded in graphitic sheets, effectively lowering the energy barrier for hydrogen production. Additionally, the research team was able to extend their synthesis techniques to other metals such as iridium, palladium, and ruthenium, showcasing the versatility and potential of their approach.

Future of Hydrogen Production

Professor Han concluded that this new methodology for creating highly effective M-SACs presents a promising avenue for the development of efficient energy conversion and storage systems. The ability of these catalysts to produce hydrogen more economically positions them as strong contenders against traditional fossil fuels. In the broader context, advancements in hydrogen technology could significantly contribute to global efforts to counter climate change.

The continued exploration and optimization of hydrogen production methods at Dongguk University underline the institution's commitment to pioneering research in sustainable energy solutions. With a keen focus on practical application, the implications of these innovative catalysts could mark a significant shift toward embracing hydrogen as a primary energy source in the near future.