A team of Indian and international researchers has identified a catalytic mechanism that could
improve the efficiency and economic viability of green hydrogen production.
The study was conducted by
Dr. Neena S. John and
PhD researcher Palash Jyoti Gogoi from the Centre for Nano and Soft Matter Sciences (CeNS) in Bengaluru, in collaboration with scientists from Kiel University in Germany and the Indo-Korean Science and Technology Center (IKST) in Bengaluru.
The research focused on the behavior of molybdenum carbide (Mo₂C), a widely used catalyst for the hydrogen evolution reaction during water electrolysis. The findings challenge the conventional assumption that the structure of such catalysts remains unchanged during operation.
According to the study,
molybdenum carbide undergoes a dynamic transformation during hydrogen production. The process leads to the formation of oxygen-deficient molybdenum oxide sites, which significantly enhance both catalytic activity and long-term stability.
The researchers believe that this newly identified property helps explain the catalyst’s performance and provides valuable insights for the development of next-generation materials for green hydrogen production.
The findings are expected to support the development of more efficient and cost-effective hydrogen technologies, contributing to the transition toward cleaner energy systems and reduced reliance on fossil fuels.
Source:
BioEnergy Times