Researchers at Ruhr University Bochum in Germany are making strides in the fight against climate change by developing cost-effective electrocatalysts for green hydrogen production. At present, the most commonly used catalysts are based on rare and expensive precious metals such as iridium, ruthenium, and platinum. But now, the Bochum research group is studying catalysts in the form of base metal oxide nanoparticles to find a more efficient alternative. Revolutionary Breakthrough in Green Hydrogen Production through Seawater Electrolysis
The team has developed a method to analyze individual particles directly in solution, enabling them to understand the influence of particle properties such as shape and composition on water splitting. The experimental results indicate that cobalt oxide particles in the form of cubes are more active than spheres. This has been confirmed by the team’s theoretical partners who found a correlation between particle shape and activity, leading to the knowledge-based design of viable catalyst materials.
“Our insights lay the foundation for the transformation of the fossil energy and chemical industries towards a circular economy based on renewable energy sources and highly active, long-lasting catalysts,” says Kristina Tschulik, leading researcher at Ruhr University Bochum.