Development and Transferring low-cost and stable Ru-based catalysts toward industrial water splitting

Hydrogen energy is an effective solution to the chemical energy crisis, with its industry covering four core stages: production, storage, transportation and utilization, where numerous tech enterprises operate. For all regions, hydrogen energy development drives economic growth and employment; IEA and China Hydrogen Energy Alliance Research Institute project the global hydrogen energy output value to reach $671 billion by 2030 and $1.549 trillion by 2050.

As a key part of the hydrogen industry, PEM electrolysis for hydrogen production outperforms AWE in current density, hydrogen purity and environmental benignity, yet its high cost results from precious metal catalysts (Ir, Pt) used in systems. To address this, a novel SbRuO₂ catalyst was developed, which shows 3.5-fold higher mass activity and 40-fold higher price activity at 1.5 V than commercial IrO₂ via electrochemical tests. Its industrial application is expected to cut PEM’s MEA cost by 23% and the total electrolysis cost by 5.5%.

This technology has great application potential for hydrogen enterprises (e.g., Goldwind, Mingyang, Rongsheng) and is well-suited for regions with stringent environmental requirements (e.g., Europe, HydrogenPro).