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General Information
Categories: advanced materials, energy
Non-Noble Metal Water Electrolysis Catalysts
BNL Reference Number: BSA 12-28
Patent Status: Provisional filed on April 20, 2012
Summary
a) TEM image of the stacked MoN nanosheets on carbon supports. The read and white arrows mark the nanosheets that lay flat and stand vertically, respectively. b) A HRTEM image with the crystal structure overlaid looking down along the <002> zone axis, and c) a HRTEM image showing the standing {002} lattice planes (cyan balls:Mo and small blue balls:N).
This invention comprises an inexpensive catalyst system for water electrolyzers by replacing the noble-metal catalysts that are typically used in electrolyzer systems. A molybdenum-nickel nitride nanosheet catalyst has been found to be very stable
Description
A novel form of nickel-molybdenum nitride - nanosheets - has been found to be a highly effective catalyst for splitting water to form hydrogen gas. The combination of reactive Ni with electron-dense Mo and its conversion to the nanosheet nitride form has produced a durable and highly active hydrogen evolution catalyst. Nitrides of other metals in combination with molybdenum are expected to have comparable activity.
Benefits
The majority of the cost of current electrolyzers is a result of the requirement for use of noble-metal catalysts, particularly platinum. Replacement with considerably less expensive catalysts that are highly active and stable can result in new electrolyzers at a lower cost.
Applications and Industries
Companies in the renewable energy business, manufacturers of electrolyzers, and catalyst providers may be interested in this new hydrogen evolution reaction catalyst.
Press Releases
Have Questions?
For more information about this technology, contact Christine Brakel, (631) 344-7134.
