What is it about?
To store renewable electricity efficiently, it can be converted into hydrogen gas—a clean energy carrier. A promising method for doing this is Anion Exchange Membrane Water Electrolysis (AEM-WE), which combines high efficiency with the ability to use low-cost materials. However, replacing expensive precious metals like platinum remains a challenge. In this work, we show how specially designed nickel-based materials can replace both the anode and cathode in an AEM electrolyzer. Using simple and scalable preparation methods, we created a high-performing oxygen evolution catalyst from nickel-iron layered hydroxides and a hydrogen evolution catalyst from nickel sulfide. These new electrodes outperformed commercial alternatives and remained stable during testing. Our results show a promising route to cheaper, scalable hydrogen production using non-noble materials.
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Why is it important?
This work addresses the critical challenge of lowering the cost of water electrolysis for green hydrogen production. By replacing expensive noble metals with nickel-based alternatives and demonstrating scalable fabrication methods, the research paves the way for industrial implementation of AEM electrolyzers. The approach offers high performance and durability, essential for future energy storage and hydrogen fuel applications. The findings are particularly relevant as demand rises for decentralized, sustainable hydrogen generation technologies.
Perspectives
This abstract reflects the result of a successful interdisciplinary collaboration between chemists and engineers aiming to push green hydrogen technologies toward industrial relevance. We were particularly excited to observe that the low-cost nickel-based electrodes not only matched but even outperformed platinum-based benchmarks. The simplicity and scalability of the fabrication techniques are crucial for future deployment. Presenting this work at an ECS conference allows us to connect with other researchers and accelerate progress in clean energy technologies.
Prof. Dr. Thomas Ernst Müller
Ruhr-Universitat Bochum
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Boosting Hydrogen Production: Non-Noble Metal Catalysts Optimize Electrodes in Anion Exchange Membrane Water Electrolysis, ECS Meeting Abstracts, November 2024, The Electrochemical Society,
DOI: 10.1149/ma2024-02453183mtgabs.
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