Scientists at the Centre for Nano and Soft Matter Sciences (CeNS) in Bengaluru have made a groundbreaking discovery with the development of a new alloy-based catalyst that significantly enhances the efficiency and affordability of hydrogen production. This innovation could help reduce reliance on expensive materials like platinum, taking us one step closer to cleaner energy solutions.
Hydrogen, a promising clean fuel, is produced through electrolysis — a process where electricity is used to split water into hydrogen and oxygen. Current methods use costly catalysts such as pure platinum to accelerate the reaction. Researchers have long been on the lookout for cost-effective, more efficient alternatives to these precious materials. Traditional alloys generally contain two or more elements, with one being dominant. In contrast, high-entropy alloys (HEAs) consist of five or more elements in near-equal proportions, offering exceptional stability and efficiency.
CeNS scientists, in collaboration with Prashant Singh from Ames National Laboratory, USA, created an innovative HEA catalyst using platinum (Pt), palladium (Pd), cobalt (Co), nickel (Ni), and manganese (Mn). They employed two methods to produce this HEA: Electrodeposition, a room-temperature process resembling electroplating, and Solvothermal Synthesis, which involves high pressure and temperature in an autoclave.
The new catalyst uses seven times less platinum than traditional ones, providing higher efficiency and lasting over 100 hours without degradation, even in alkaline seawater conditions. The cost of the new catalyst could be as low as 20% of conventional catalysts, with scaling potential for industrial applications. This research, funded by the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF), promises significant advancements in hydrogen fuel cell technology.
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