Scientists develop new materials to turn water into hydrogen

Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed a catalyst that could help divide water molecules to produce hydrogen.

The research report, published in the journal Angewandte Chemie, reveals that an electrocatalytic material made from metal compounds mixed with perchloric acid could break in a very long-lasting way the bonds between hydrogen and l & # 39; oxygen.

"Much of the previous work was done with electrolysers made from only two elements: a metal and oxygen.In a recent study, we discovered that a compound contains two metallic elements – the 39, yttrium and ruthenium – and oxygen, the rate of water separation reaction increased, "said Hong Yang, professor of chemical engineering and biomolecular in Illinois and lead author of the 'study.

In the initial phase of the study, the researchers tried to make a new electrolytic material using different acids and different heating temperatures and determined if it increased the rate of water separation reaction. . The researchers noted that the use of perchloric acid as a catalyst altered the physical nature of yttrium ruthenate.

The new porous material developed by the team called pyrochlore oxide of yttrium ruthenate could split water molecules into hydrogen and oxygen at a rate higher than current industry standards. It should also be noted that the new porous material developed is four times more porous than the original yttrium ruthenium and three times that of the commercially used iridium and ruthenium oxides.

"Because of the increased activity it promotes, a porous structure is highly desirable for electrocatalysts, which can be synthesized using nanoscale templates and materials for the manufacture of ceramics. necessary for the manufacture of high quality solid catalysts, "said Yang.

Yang also revealed that such researchers will bring positive impacts on hydrogen production for sustainable energy in the future.

A month ago, a team of researchers from the University of Cambridge invented a new method to create an unlimited source of renewable energy. The study report revealed that a method called artificial photosynthesis could possibly create an unlimited source of energy.