Russian institutes collaborate on ultra-stable five-metal catalyst

Researchers at Southern Federal University in Rostov-on-Don are joining forces with Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology, the Boreskov Institute of Catalysis, and Bauman Moscow State Technical University to test out a new five-metal high-entropy alloy catalyst. This innovative approach could significantly improve the durability and efficiency of low-temperature hydrogen fuel cells, and it's perfectly timed with the ongoing discussions in the hydrogen news world, especially as we look to reduce our reliance on pure platinum and tackle pressing issues in the fuel cell arena.

Why catalysts matter

So, how do hydrogen fuel cells work, you ask? Well, it’s actually pretty straightforward. Hydrogen molecules are split into protons and electrons at the anode. The electrons create power as they flow through an external circuit, while the protons team up with oxygen at the cathode, producing water as a byproduct. However, the oxygen reduction reaction at the cathode is a crucial hurdle that can slow down hydrogen fuel cell performance. In applications like hydrogen vehicles, stationary power systems, and green data centers, the cost and longevity of catalysts play a huge role in how economically viable and environmentally friendly these solutions can be. While platinum has been the traditional go-to catalyst, its scarcity and high cost really drive up system expenses and limit the potential of hydrogen technologies. This makes advancements in catalyst design crucial in the realm of clean hydrogen news.

Start a free 7-day trial for unlimited articles plus hydrogen company, project & technology intelligence. Cancel anytime.
Continue reading on Hydrogen Fuel News → · Subscribe