Breakthrough in Hydrogen Production with New Non-Precious Catalyst

A research team led by Dr. Sung Mook Choi from the Korea Institute of Materials Science (KIMS) has developed a groundbreaking non-precious metal catalyst for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER). This innovation, created in collaboration with Professor Seung-Hwa Lee from Changwon National University, aims to enhance hydrogen production efficiency while reducing dependency on costly precious metals.

The new catalyst features a layered structure specifically designed for use in anion exchange membrane water electrolysis (AEMWE) environments. This technology operates under alkaline conditions, allowing for the use of affordable non-precious metal catalysts instead of expensive platinum or iridium. AEMWE has gained attention as a promising method for safe and cost-effective hydrogen production.

Despite its potential, the use of non-precious metal catalysts has been limited due to durability issues in alkaline environments. Conventional transition metal-based catalysts often suffer from structural degradation and reduced catalytic activity over time. To overcome these challenges, the research team engineered a cobalt (Co) and iron (Fe)-based oxyhydroxide catalyst, known as CoFeOOH, with a focus on enhancing both efficiency and longevity.

Dr. Choi’s team introduced iron into the catalyst’s structure to optimize the electronic state of cobalt centers. This adjustment effectively lowered the energy barriers involved in critical reaction steps, leading to high current densities at low overpotentials. Furthermore, the catalyst maintained stable performance without degradation when subjected to extended operational conditions.

To protect the catalyst from corrosion and degradation, the researchers developed a novel technique that involves controlled chemical oxidation of the catalyst surface. This process resulted in a robust surface structure that is particularly advantageous for the oxygen evolution reaction under alkaline conditions.

The catalyst was tested in a unit cell of the AEMWE system, demonstrating its performance and durability under real-world electrolysis conditions. This successful application suggests that non-precious metal catalysts can be effectively utilized in practical AEMWE systems, paving the way for commercialization. Once available on the market, this technology could significantly reduce costs and enhance the efficiency of hydrogen production.

Dr. Choi expressed optimism regarding the research’s implications, stating, “This research represents a case in which the limitations of non-precious metal–based catalysts were overcome through structural design.” He emphasized the team’s commitment to accelerating the commercialization of green hydrogen production technologies, contributing to a future reliant on clean hydrogen energy.

The research was supported by several initiatives, including the National Research Laboratory for Hydrogen (H2 NEXT ROUND) program of the National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF), as well as institutional research programs from KIMS and Changwon National University. The findings were published online on December 1, 2025, in the esteemed journal ACS Nano, which boasts an impact factor of 16.1.

As the global demand for clean hydrogen production continues to grow, innovations such as this catalyst will be crucial in advancing sustainable energy solutions and enhancing technological self-reliance in key materials for water electrolysis applications.