Green hydrogen production via electrolysis has emerged as a key technology in the search for sustainable energy solutions. It involves splitting water into its constituents, hydrogen and oxygen. Traditional electrolyzers rely on precious metal catalysts like platinum and iridium. Although both are effective, they are also costly and scarce. The enormous potential of green hydrogen has precipitated huge amounts of research into novel catalysts that address the tandem issues of cost and scarcity. Cobalt-based catalysts may be one such solution.
This blog explores the potential of cobalt catalysts when used to produce green hydrogen. It will also highlight their advantages and address their challenges.
Cost-Effectiveness
One of the most compelling advantages of cobalt-based catalysts is their cost-effectiveness. Cobalt is more abundant and significantly less expensive than platinum and iridium, which makes it a viable option for scaling up green hydrogen production. According to a report from Materials Today, the use of cobalt catalysts could substantially reduce the overall cost of electrolyzers, making green hydrogen a more competitive alternative to fossil fuels.
Performance
Performance is a critical factor in catalyst selection. Recent studies have demonstrated that cobalt-based catalysts exhibit high activity and efficiency in water-splitting reactions. Researchers from RIKEN have developed a manganese and cobalt oxide electrocatalyst that shows remarkable activity and stability under acidic conditions, which is comparable to more expensive platinum-based catalysts. This breakthrough suggests that cobalt catalysts can achieve similar performance levels while being more economical.
Stability
Stability is another crucial attribute for catalysts used in water electrolysis. Electrolyzers operate under harsh acidic conditions. Catalysts must be able to withstand these environments over extended periods. Some cobalt-based catalysts have shown impressive stability and can maintain their performance over time. The RIKEN study highlighted that their cobalt-manganese oxide electrocatalyst remained stable under acidic conditions. This is an essential requirement for long-term hydrogen production.
Versatility
Cobalt’s versatility allows it to be combined with other elements to create various catalyst formulations. For example, researchers have developed nickel-iron-cobalt-layered double hydroxide materials as cost-effective alternatives to iridium oxide. These materials demonstrate high catalytic activity and stability. Therefore, they broaden the potential applications of cobalt in green hydrogen production. This adaptability makes cobalt a promising candidate for further innovation in catalyst design.
Potential for Improvement
The field of cobalt-based catalysts is still evolving. Ongoing research aims to enhance their performance and stability further. One strategy involves incorporating water fragments into the catalyst structure, which can improve stability and efficiency. This continuous improvement is essential to compete with well-established precious metal catalysts and to make cobalt-based solutions more viable.
The Challenges and Ethical Considerations Concerning Cobalt Catalysts
Despite their promise, cobalt catalysts face several challenges. Durability remains a significant concern for cobalt catalysts. While some cobalt-based catalysts show good stability, they may not yet match the decades-long lifespan of iridium catalysts. This discrepancy highlights the need for ongoing research to improve the long-term durability of cobalt catalysts.
Ethical concerns surrounding cobalt mining also pose challenges. Cobalt extraction has been associated with environmental degradation and human rights abuse in some regions. This can impact its large-scale adoption. Addressing these ethical issues through responsible sourcing and alternative materials research is crucial for the sustainable development of cobalt catalysts.
Future Prospects
The future of cobalt-based catalysts in green hydrogen production looks promising. But it is not without competition. Scientists continue to explore other abundant materials like manganese and nickel as potential alternatives. Their aim is to find the most sustainable and efficient solutions. This ongoing research will play a pivotal part in determining the ultimate viability of cobalt-based catalysts.
Improve Your Green Hydrogen Generation With Cobalt Catalysts
Cobalt-based catalysts represent a significant step forward in making green hydrogen production more economically viable and scalable. Their cost-effectiveness, high performance, stability, and versatility make them an attractive option. However, challenges related to durability and ethical sourcing must be addressed. The continuous enhancement and exploration of alternative materials will ensure the best possible catalysts are used in the quest for sustainable hydrogen production.
At Nikalyte, we offer a wide range of tools for generating nanoparticle catalysts for heterogeneous electrocatalysis, particularly for applications like green hydrogen production through water splitting. Visit our nanoparticle catalyst applications page for more details on how our technology is advancing sustainable hydrogen technologies. You can also speak with our specialists if you have any other questions about our solutions for generating cobalt catalysts or any other nanoparticle catalysts.
References
- Cobalt catalyst could usher in new age of hydrogen. Materials Today. https://www.materialstoday.com/energy/news/cobalt-catalyst-new-age-of-hydrogen-production/. Published 1st June 2023. Accessed 11th July 2024.
- The Institute of Photonic Sciences. New catalyst unveils the hidden power of water for green hydrogen generation. ScienceDaily. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/06/240620151411.htm. Published 20th June 2024. Accessed 11th July 2024.
- Fernandes R, Gupta S, Patel N, Patel R, Spreitzer M. A review of cobalt-based catalysts for sustainable energy and environmental applications. Applied Catalysis A: General. 2023;661:119254. doi:10.1016/j.apcata.2023.119254.
- Cracking green hydrogen energy. Riken. https://www.riken.jp/en/news_pubs/research_news/rr/20220624_1/index.html. Published 24th June 2022. Accessed 11th July 2024.
- New Catalyst for Green Hydrogen Production. AZoCleantech. https://www.azocleantech.com/news.aspx?newsID=34081. Published 4th October 2023. Accessed 11th July 2024.