Research breakthrough paves way for faster, cheaper hydrogen production

Researchers at the Tokyo University of Science (TUS) have developed a palladium-based nanosheet catalyst that they claim could produce hydrogen at a fraction of the cost compared to the existing platinum-based technology.The novel hydrogen evolution catalyst ― called bis(diimino)palladium coordination nanosheets (PdDI) ― is part of a groundbreaking study published on November 28, 2024, and made available online on January 27, 2025, in Volume 31, Issue 6 of Chemistry – A European Journal.The study was led by Dr. Hiroaki Maeda and Professor Hiroshi Nishihara from TUS, in collaboration with other high-profile researchers from Japan.The discovery marks a breakthrough in hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) technology, which involves the electrolytic splitting of water for the generation of hydrogen. The HER catalyst electrodes, traditionally made of platinum, facilitate the conversion of nascent hydrogen ([H]) ― generated at the electrode surface during water splitting ― into hydrogen gas (H₂).While platinum as a HER catalyst is highly effective, its scarcity and high cost significantly increase manufacturing expenses, limiting its large-scale application.With that in mind, the research team offered a more efficient alternative, using a simple synthesis process to fabricate palladium-based nanosheets designed to maximize catalytic activity while minimizing metal usage, which it says could drastically lower the costs associated with H₂ production.“Developing efficient HER electrocatalysts is key to sustainable H₂ production. Bis(diimino)metal coordination nanosheets, with their high conductivity, large surface area and efficient electron transfer, are promising candidates,” said Dr. Maeda. “Additionally, their sparse metal arrangement reduces material usage. Here, we have successfully developed these nanosheets using palladium metal.”One of the critical aspects of any catalyst is its long-term stability. According to Dr. Maeda, the PdDI nanosheets demonstrated excellent durability, remaining intact after 12 hours in acidic conditions, confirming their suitability for real-world hydrogen production systems.“Our research brings us one step closer to making H₂ production more affordable and sustainable, a crucial step for achieving a clean energy future,” he said.The research team believes that the implications of this study extend beyond laboratory experiments. The scalability, enhanced activity and cost-effectiveness of PdDI nanosheets “make them highly attractive for industrial hydrogen production, hydrogen fuel cells and large-scale energy storage systems.”Additionally, replacing platinum-based catalysts with PdDI could reduce mining-related emissions, accelerating the transition to a sustainable hydrogen economy, the study points out. It also notes that the density of palladium atoms is 10 times lesser than platinum atoms, resulting in cost-effective production of electrodes.As research progresses, the team at TUS aims to further optimize PdDI nanosheets for commercialization, contributing to the development of an environmentally friendly hydrogen society.Weiter zum vollständigen Artikel bei Mining.com Weiter zum vollständigen Artikel bei Mining.com