At the Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) located in Seoul, investigators have achieved notable advancements in addressing a challenge in green hydrogen generation. In conventional water electrolysis, two distinct reactions take place: hydrogen production at the cathode and oxygen production at the anode. These processes necessitate different catalysts, frequently platinum for hydrogen and iridium oxide for oxygen, resulting in elevated costs and intricate systems.
The KIST researchers have created a singular catalyst, referred to as Ir@Mn-Ni-PA, that can effectively facilitate both reactions. This catalyst consists of iridium atoms finely distributed across a nickel-manganese substrate, as confirmed by advanced imaging techniques. The incorporation of phytic acid during its synthesis stabilizes individual iridium atoms, optimizing their efficiency and reducing the quantity of precious metals used to merely 1.42 atomic percent.
Testing reveals that this catalyst demands significantly lower overpotentials to achieve benchmark current densities in both hydrogen (HER) and oxygen (OER) reactions when compared to traditional materials. Importantly, Ir@Mn-Ni-PA demonstrates outstanding performance at high current densities, which is crucial for industrial applicability.
Calculations based on density functional theory suggest that the catalyst’s efficiency stems from reduced bandgaps and optimized hydrogen adsorption energy, attained through atomic-level modifications. Manganese doping enhances the oxidation side, promoting active nickel oxyhydroxide formation during operation. The outcome is increased efficiency without any performance decline over 300 hours of testing under practical conditions.
Moreover, Ir@Mn-Ni-PA’s direct growth on nickel foam substrates, instead of utilizing polymer binders, further decreases site obstruction and boosts durability. The catalyst’s reduction in precious metal dependence tackles cost and supply chain challenges, advancing the feasibility of affordable, large-scale green hydrogen production.
This study, published in *Advanced Energy Materials*, offers promise for the commercialization of water electrolysis devices, setting the stage for a viable hydrogen economy. For more information, the research can be found [here](https://advanced.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/aenm.202506645).