KIST Develops Innovative Catalyst for Green Hydrogen Production

A research team at the Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) has made a significant advancement in green hydrogen production by developing a groundbreaking catalyst that efficiently generates hydrogen and oxygen simultaneously. This innovative technology utilizes a single-atom catalyst combined with binder-free electrode technology, addressing limitations in traditional electrolysis systems that rely on multiple catalysts.

Green hydrogen production is regarded as a vital solution to combat global warming, as it generates eco-friendly hydrogen without carbon emissions. The process of electrolysis separates water into hydrogen and oxygen by applying electrical energy, which traditionally requires costly and high-performance catalysts. The KIST team, led by Dr. Na Jongbeom and Dr. Kim Jong Min, has integrated a single-atom catalyst that performs both the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) on a single electrode.

Conventional electrolysis systems necessitate different catalysts for each reaction, resulting in increased costs and reliance on precious metals. The new catalyst technology developed by KIST significantly reduces the need for these metals, using only 1.5% of the precious metal compared to existing catalysts. This reduction is achieved through atomic-level precision, which allows for the uniform distribution of iridium (Ir) atoms across a support structure made from manganese (Mn) and nickel (Ni).

The innovative approach maximizes the active sites available for water-splitting reactions while minimizing the amount of iridium used. The iridium atoms function as active sites for the hydrogen evolution reaction, enhancing catalytic performance while simultaneously improving the nickel-based active site for the oxygen evolution reaction. This dual functionality is analogous to spreading fine grains of sand evenly over a surface, rather than relying on a single large rock.

In addition to optimizing the catalyst composition, the team has developed a method of directly growing the catalyst on the electrode surface, eliminating the need for binders that can impede electrical conductivity and lead to catalyst detachment over time. This advancement not only enhances electrical conductivity but also improves durability during long-term operation.

The KIST catalyst has demonstrated outstanding performance, sustaining minimal performance degradation after over 300 hours of continuous operation in an anion exchange membrane (AEM) water electrolysis system. This research highlights the potential to improve both the economic viability and durability of electrolysis systems, paving the way for the commercialization of green hydrogen production.

Dr. Na Jongbeom emphasized the significance of this work, stating, “This research resolves the two essential reactions for hydrogen production using a single catalyst while reducing precious metal consumption.” He added that this technology will expedite the commercialization of water electrolysis devices and bolster the expansion of hydrogen energy.

KIST, established in 1966 as Korea’s first government-funded research institute, aims to address national and societal challenges through innovative research. The findings from this research were published in the March 2024 issue of the international journal Advanced Energy Materials and were supported by the Ministry of Science and ICT and various research programs.

For more information about KIST and its ongoing research initiatives, visit their official website at [KIST](https://kist.re.kr//eng/index.do).