A research breakthrough by TU Berlin, HZB, IMTEK, and Siemens Energy has achieved comparable performance to PEM electrolyzers while using affordable nickel compounds instead of expensive iridium catalysts. The findings, published in Nature Catalysis, demonstrate significant progress in sustainable hydrogen production technology.
Revolutionary Catalyst Technology
The team developed an innovative coating technique that applies nickel double hydroxide complexes with iron, cobalt, or manganese directly onto alkaline ion exchange membranes. This advancement delivers efficiency matching PEM electrolyzers while substantially reducing production costs.
Research Validation
Scientists conducted comprehensive testing using operando measurements at the BESSY II X-ray source and LiXEdrom end station. Research teams from the USA and Singapore provided molecular process modeling support, while prototype testing was completed at IMTEK facilities.
Impact on Green Hydrogen Production
Key benefits of the new technology include:
- Cost reduction through abundant nickel materials
- Performance matching traditional PEM systems
- Elimination of rare metal dependencies
- Near climate-neutral production potential
- Scalable manufacturing process
- Enhanced catalytic efficiency
- Reduced industrial production costs
Current hydrogen production methods include liquid alkaline electrolysis and proton-conducting membrane electrolysis (PEM). The new alkaline exchange membrane (AEM) technology combines the advantages of both methods while eliminating rare metal requirements.
Industrial Applications
The successful laboratory demonstration provides a foundation for industrial evaluation. The scalable coating technique and efficient performance establish a path toward commercial implementation of this sustainable hydrogen production method.
The research collaboration between Technical University of Berlin, Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin (HZB), University of Freiburg (IMTEK), and Siemens Energy marks a significant step toward cost-effective, sustainable hydrogen production at industrial scale.
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