In a recent study, researchers from City University of Hong Kong have created a new class of catalysts—CoCe–O–Ir nanosheet arrays—that achieve these demanding requirements. This innovation may significantly enhance the efficiency and longevity of green hydrogen production. This groundbreaking material addresses key hurdles in the quest for efficient, cost-effective clean hydrogen fuel production. While still early, it is showing tremendous promise as a catalyst for large, transformative applications. The research team, led by Professor Johnny Ho from Swinburne’s Centre for Transformative Innovation, has unveiled their findings in world-leading journal Nature Communications.
These CoCe–O–Ir nanosheet arrays are a notable achievement in the development of multifunctional OER/ORR catalysts. These installations can perform consistently and efficiently for more than 150 operating hours. This remarkable capability will be key to making green hydrogen production viable. These nanosheet arrays show record-breaking energy efficiency. They require less than 187 mV of overpotential at 100 mA cm-2 to drive the oxygen evolution reaction at this high rate.
Achievements in Stability and Performance
These CoCe–O–Ir nanosheet arrays exhibit remarkable stability. Furthermore, their automotive-grade characteristics keep them working at peak over 1,000 hours under the harshest conditions. Durability is a major consideration for any practical application. Most importantly, it enables the catalysts to withstand the rigors of the industrial processes without loss of catalytic activity.
Moreover, the development of these nanosheet arrays successfully overcomes a significant challenge in catalyst design: preventing single metal atoms from clumping together during reactions. In the past, this has hampered the effectiveness of comparable publications. Yet, the researchers’ pioneering methodology has produced a design that not only keeps things stable, but enhances performance in hydrogen production.
The research team worked with researchers from mainland China and Japan. This partnership is a great example of the international collaboration that’s needed to address today’s global energy challenges. Their combined knowledge and experience played a key role in the creation and iterative design-testing process of this unique catalyst design.
Implications for Future Energy Solutions
The environmental implications of the CoCe–O–Ir nanosheet arrays reach beyond hydrogen production. Professor Johnny Ho emphasizes that this new catalyst design paves the way for cleaner transportation, energy storage, and various industrial processes. Green hydrogen production is getting more practical and more affordable. Together, this could be the breakthrough that ushers in the democratic energy future our climate and communities so desperately need.
Whether it’s maritime shipping, aviation, manufacturing industries globally are taking meaningful strides to decarbonize and break free from fossil fuels. Introductions like the CoCe–O–Ir nanosheet arrays can be crucial technologies to assist them reaching these goals. The ability to produce clean hydrogen at scale would not only support energy needs but contribute to broader environmental objectives.
