Breakthrough in Hydrogen Production with New Non-Precious Catalyst

A research team led by Dr. Sung Mook Choi at the Korea Institute of Materials Science (KIMS) has made significant strides in hydrogen production by developing a new non-precious metal catalyst. This innovation, achieved in collaboration with Professor Seung-Hwa Lee from Changwon National University, focuses on an oxygen evolution reaction (OER) catalyst designed for use in anion exchange membrane water electrolysis (AEMWE).

The study’s findings, published online on December 1, 2025, in the journal ACS Nano, detail a proprietary catalyst featuring a layered structure that enhances efficiency and durability while minimizing the dependence on expensive precious metals. The research highlights a novel approach that could revolutionize hydrogen production, making it more accessible and cost-effective.

AEMWE operates in alkaline conditions, which allows for the use of lower-cost non-precious metal catalysts instead of pricier alternatives. This method has gained traction as a safe and economical technology for hydrogen production. Yet, challenges remain; traditional transition metal catalysts often suffer from durability issues, leading to structural degradation and reduced catalytic activity over time.

To combat these issues, the research team engineered a cobalt (Co) and iron (Fe)-based oxyhydroxide catalyst (CoFeOOH) with a specifically designed layered structure. They introduced a strategy to control both the electronic structure of the active surface and the reaction pathways. This innovative approach led to the formation of a structurally stable catalytic layer, facilitating efficient charge transfer during the oxygen evolution reaction.

The incorporation of iron into the CoFeOOH structure played a crucial role in modulating the electronic state of the cobalt centers. This adjustment lowered the energy barrier associated with the adsorption and desorption of reaction intermediates, which are vital for the OER process. Consequently, the catalyst achieved high current densities even at low overpotentials while maintaining performance stability over extended operating periods.

To further enhance the stability of the catalyst, the team developed a controlled chemical oxidation technique during the iron doping process. This technique successfully established a robust catalyst surface structure, optimized for the oxygen evolution reaction in alkaline environments.

The catalyst was then applied in a unit cell of AEMWE, allowing the research team to assess its performance and durability under practical conditions, moving beyond laboratory-scale evaluations. This successful application indicates that non-precious metal OER catalysts can be effectively integrated into AEMWE systems, paving the way for future commercialization.

Once brought to market, this technology could lead to the creation of cost-effective, high-efficiency AEMWE systems with significantly reduced reliance on precious metals. Such advancements are expected to bolster clean hydrogen production and enhance technological self-reliance regarding key materials used in water electrolysis catalysts.

Dr. Sung Mook Choi, Principal Researcher at KIMS and the lead investigator of the study, emphasized the importance of this achievement, stating, “This research represents a case in which the limitations of non-precious metal–based catalysts were overcome through structural design.” He also expressed commitment to accelerating the commercialization of green hydrogen technologies based on AEMWE, contributing to a future hydrogen-based society.

The research received support from the National Research Laboratory for Hydrogen program of the National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF), along with various institutional research programs. This collaborative effort reflects a significant step forward in the realm of sustainable energy solutions, reinforcing the critical role of innovation in addressing global energy challenges.