Chromium stabilizes ruthenium catalysts for green hydrogen production
ICFO researchers published findings in Nature Materials showing chromium atoms prevent ruthenium dissolution during water electrolysis.
Atomic partners improve durability
Researchers at ICFO discovered that chromium acts as a stabilizing partner for ruthenium in water electrolysis. Ruthenium alone tends to over-oxidize and dissolve quickly during operation while trying to split water. The team added chromium atoms close to ruthenium within an oxide scaffold structure. Advanced microscopy showed oxygen bridges connect these neighboring atoms to form local cooperative units. Chromium buffers excessive oxidation without reducing the catalysts ability to speed up the reaction.
Collaboration brings diverse expertise
The study involved collaboration with the University of Bayreuth and Fujian Institute of Research on the Structure of Matter. Additional collaborators were IREC, ICN2, Chongqing University as well as the National Institute for Space Research. Tengyu Chen led the synthesis method design while Dr Kaiwen Wang observed atomic interactions closely. The group used synchrotron spectroscopy to watch how the two elements interacted under operational conditions.
Future goals for clean fuel
Professor F Pelayo García de Arquer explains that efficient catalysts reduce dependence on scarce precious metals. The team plans to generalize this principle for practical technology in renewable hydrogen production. Keeping active catalysts stable supports long-term goals of producing clean hydrogen as a fuel source. Observing atomic pair formation at higher resolution will help control the process better.
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