Researchers Unveil Innovative Non-Precious Metal Catalyst for Hydrogen Production

A research team led by Dr. Sung Mook Choi from the Korea Institute of Materials Science (KIMS) has made a significant breakthrough in hydrogen production technology. Collaborating with a team headed by Professor Seung-Hwa Lee at Changwon National University, they have developed a proprietary non-precious metal catalyst designed for oxygen evolution reactions (OER) that operates effectively in anion exchange membrane water electrolysis (AEMWE) environments.

This new catalyst showcases a layered structure that enhances both efficiency and durability while significantly reducing the dependence on costly precious metals. The AEMWE process, which functions under alkaline conditions, allows for the use of non-precious metal catalysts, presenting a more economical and safe alternative for hydrogen production. Despite the potential, previous attempts to fully replace precious metals were hindered by the lack of stable non-precious metal OER catalysts that could withstand long-term operation in alkaline settings.

Conventional catalysts, primarily based on transition metals, often suffer from durability issues. Prolonged use can lead to problems such as structural degradation, metal dissolution, and decreased catalytic activity. To overcome these challenges, the research team engineered a cobalt (Co) and iron (Fe)-based oxyhydroxide catalyst (CoFeOOH) with a carefully structured layered design. This innovative approach not only stabilizes the catalyst’s active surface but also optimizes the reaction pathways involved in the oxygen evolution process.

The introduction of iron into the CoFeOOH structure allows for effective modulation of the electronic properties of the cobalt centers. This adjustment lowers the energy barrier associated with the crucial adsorption and desorption steps of the reaction intermediates, enhancing the overall efficiency of the OER. As a result, the catalyst achieved high current densities even at low overpotentials, maintaining stable performance without significant structural degradation during extended operation.

To further address potential issues with catalyst corrosion and degradation during the iron doping process, the team developed a specialized technique involving controlled chemical oxidation of the catalyst surface. This method successfully established a robust catalyst surface structure optimized for the oxygen evolution reaction under alkaline conditions.

The new catalyst was tested in a unit cell of AEMWE, validating its performance and durability under practical conditions beyond the confines of laboratory settings. This achievement indicates that non-precious metal OER catalysts can be effectively integrated into AEMWE systems, paving the way for commercial applications. If successfully commercialized, this technology is poised to lead to the development of cost-effective, high-efficiency AEMWE systems that rely less on precious metals.

The implications of this research extend beyond mere cost savings; it is expected to bolster clean hydrogen production and enhance technological self-reliance in critical water electrolysis catalyst materials. Dr. Sung Mook Choi, who serves as the Principal Researcher at KIMS, emphasized the importance of this breakthrough, stating, “This research represents a case in which the limitations of non-precious metal-based catalysts were overcome through structural design.” He further expressed commitment to advancing green hydrogen production technologies, contributing to the vision of a hydrogen-based society.

The study, supported by the National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF) and published on December 1, 2025, in the journal ACS Nano, highlights the potential for a sustainable future in hydrogen energy. As the world moves toward greener energy solutions, this innovative catalyst may play a crucial role in the transition to cleaner energy sources.